On October 12, Americans across the nation take a day off from work to celebrate “Columbus Day.” Throughout my life I have viewed this holiday as nothing more than just a chance to sleep-in. However, I recently came across a website that raises awareness of what we are actually celebrating. Christopher Columbus was the first European to encounter the “New World,” but the consequences of his encounter had tremendous effects on the indigenous population that were already in the Caribbean and the Americas.

I believe it is disrespectful to the families who lost their livelihood, land, and lives by the relentless conquest of Europeans to “celebrate” Columbus’ achievements. If we are to preserve history and to maintain its integrity, we must start telling the full story and not the Euro-centric version. Please take the time to check out this website, and watch the short video on “Reconsidering Columbus Day.”

For more, consider reading Why We Should Re-Consider Honoring Columbus-Legacy of genocide in the ‘New World’ and an online petition for reconsidering Columbus Day.