Dawn Gravely’s journey is deeply rooted in a lifelong love for history and an unwavering commitment to activism. As a child, her understanding and passion for African American history was smoldering having read works like “Sounder” and  “Incidents in the Life of Slave Girl.” However, reading Malcolm X’s autobiography in the 7th grade provided the tools and roadmap she needed to delve deeper into the complex and rich heritage of African people, a history that mainstream education often glossed over.

Growing up, she was constantly frustrated by the gaps and omissions in her education. Despite excelling in school, learning about European History and reading Shakespeare, she found that African American history was treated as an elective, something optional rather than integral to understanding our nation. This realization was further fueled by reading works of fiction that exposed the harsh realities of race and racism. These stories were more than just books; they were revelations that opened her eyes to the systemic oppression faced by her community.

In today’s political climate, it feels as if there is a concerted effort to gaslight African Americans about the reality of racism. Statements by politicians like Governor Ron DeSantis, who claims that enslaved people benefited from slavery, or Rep. Byron Donalds, who praised aspects of the Jim Crow era for fostering family, are blatant attempts to rewrite history. It is the very epitome of spitting on us and telling us it’s rain.  Statements and policies like those are infuriating because they undermine the struggles and achievements of Black people and perpetuate falsehoods about our experience.

Time spent growing up in segregated Columbus, Ohio, and later experiencing the desegregation of schools firsthand, Dawn witnessed the senselessness of racial segregation and the pervasive nature of racism. These experiences, coupled with her readings of influential Black leaders and thinkers, shaped her commitment to unapologetic activism. “Figures like Malcolm X, Angela Davis, and Fred Hampton inspired me to fight for justice and equality, not just through words but through action.”

At Akoben Collective, our mission goes beyond education; it is about inspiration and empowerment. Together, we can confront the distortions, celebrate our history, and strive for a world where the contributions of African and African American communities are acknowledged and valued.