Tyler James Williams on the importance of teaching the totality of an icon's story

It’s a truth universally acknowledged that much of what we learned in history class growing up was half-truths, whitewashed lies, and dumbed down patriotism. George Washington could, in fact, tell a lie, and the north winning the Civil War didn’t just up and end racism in America. It’s only in recent years, though, that more and more people are coming to learn more about the one-note heroes we’ve come to revere as Americans, be they presidents, activists, or, in the case of Billie Holiday, musicians.