"History Is What We Make It" (Editorial, February) is beautiful and well written. As an African American nurse for almost 40 years who has experienced racism from teachers, facilities, fellow staff, and patients, I appreciate Shawn Kennedy's approach to this subject.

What struck me most was when she wrote, "I didn't know." That is it! We all need to know our American history, because those who don't are doomed to repeat some of those horrors of the past. This editorial is timely and gives hope, while some (by banning books by and about African Americans, among other actions) would erase the very existence of any contributions made by us and attempt to erase us from the future. Thank you, AJN, for recognizing this issue.

Naomi J., via ajnoffthecharts.com