Preserving Our Legacy: A Love Letter to Our Past and Future

Culture & Times

Hey honey bun,

I’ve been thinking a lot lately about something that really matters to me—our history, our stories, and the way we keep them alive. I know you appreciate family legacies and the memories we’ve built together over the years, so I wanted to share my thoughts on how technology, especially artificial intelligence, is starting to change the way we preserve those stories. I’m not against tech—I know firsthand how amazing it can be—but I worry that if we lean too hard on AI without backing the people who truly understand our past, we could lose something truly irreplaceable.

You know how family albums, those old birthday cards from grandma, and even the stories we share about our childhood are treasures. They’re not just records; they’re vital pieces of who we are. Archivists, those dedicated professionals who safeguard our history, are like the keepers of these treasures. They put in the time and love to make sure that every photo, every handwritten note, and every scrap of memory is preserved exactly as it was meant to be remembered.

One of the things that really inspires me is watching fashion archivists and historians at work. They’re my personal favorites because they preserve more than just dates and facts—they capture an era's spirit, style, and soul. When you look at a vintage dress or an old magazine spread, it’s not just about the clothes; it’s about the spirit of the times, the energy of our communities, and the stories that shape our identity. That’s the kind of legacy I want our families—and our communities—to hold onto.

Now, technology—especially AI—can do some incredible things. It can digitize mountains of documents, sort through them in seconds, and even help us search for that one detail among thousands of files. I know many of us appreciate efficiency, and I can see how AI could be a huge help in organizing everything. But here’s the thing: while AI is amazing at crunching numbers and identifying patterns, it simply can’t feel the heartbeat of our history the way a human can.

My grandparents’ birthday cards and photos were always more than just presents—they were little pieces of their love and memories. Each card had their unique handwriting, slow and careful, making it feel like they really took time just for me. The photos, too, weren’t just pictures; they captured moments of joy, frozen in time, with smiles that still carried so much warmth. A machine might label them as “cards” or “photos,” but it’d miss the meaning behind it all—the love they poured into each note, the memories shared in every snapshot. It’s those little personal touches that really matter, the kind of stuff you can’t get from an algorithm. Those cards and photos are more than just things; they’re reminders of family, history, and the deep connection that makes them so special.

My concern is that if we let AI take over completely, we might start to see a version of our history that’s… more sanitized. AI can only work with the data we give it, and if our historical records are already missing important voices—especially those of people from communities like ours—it could end up reinforcing those gaps. It would be like trying to tell our family story with half the chapters missing, leaving out the struggles and triumphs that have shaped who we are.

Let’s break it down a little:

• Bias in the Data:
AI systems learn from what they’re fed. If the historical records that go into these systems don’t include the full spectrum of our experiences—if they’re missing the voices of black women like myself, or the stories of our community—then the output will forever, and I do mean forever, be skewed. It would be like basing a family reunion solely on the stories of one branch of the family, while everything else gets left out.

• Missing the Nuance:
There’s so much nuance in our history—the jokes, the slang, the shared experiences that only we understand. A lot of that can’t be captured in a digital scan. I worry that when AI simplifies everything for the sake of efficiency, we may lose those subtle details that make each story unique. It’s like reducing a soulful conversation to a list of bullet points—it doesn’t carry the same weight.

• Erosion of Authenticity:
I love holding onto original documents, the feel of a handwritten note, or even a photograph with a story or a signature behind it. Digital copies are wonderful for quick access, but they can’t replace the authenticity of the original. When archivists digitize our history, they don’t just create a copy; they preserve the context, the condition, and the essence of those pieces. Without that human touch, our past might end up feeling flat and become a mere echo of what it truly was.

I’m all for progress and innovation. I truly believe that technology can be a powerful ally in preserving our history if we use it wisely so I’m not saying we should just shun AI altogether. Instead, we need to ensure that as we embrace these new tools, we continue to invest in the human experts—the archivists—who understand the delicate art of preserving our stories. They’re the ones who make sure that every nuance, every emotion, and every important detail is kept intact.

This whole discussion reminds me of our family gatherings—how every story, every laugh, every tear is woven into the fabric of who we are. I want our children and grandchildren to grow up knowing the full story of our family—not just the polished, digital version, but the messy, beautiful, and authentic one. I want them to see that every wrinkle in an old photograph, every faded letter, and every spoken memory has a story behind it. That’s the real magic of our history, and it’s something that no algorithm can ever replicate.

Let’s make sure that as we move forward into a more digital future, we do so with our eyes wide open. Let’s support those on the front lines of preserving our history—the archivists who work tirelessly behind the scenes. They’re not just keeping records; they’re protecting our collective memory, our culture, and our identity.

*all images via blackhistoryalbum@tumblr

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NOTE FROM THE EDITOR:

We are beyond thrilled to welcome a new voice to our team! Her work is a vibrant reflection of Black culture, society, and the power of new beginnings. With a keen eye for storytelling and a deep appreciation for the nuances of our shared experiences, she brings fresh perspectives that challenge, celebrate, and uplift.

Her writing is more than just words on a page—it’s a journey through history, creativity, and the future of Black expression. She dives into the heart of culture, exploring the intersections of art, identity, and progress with passion and authenticity. Whether she’s shedding light on overlooked narratives, celebrating trailblazers, or sparking thought-provoking conversations, her voice is one that resonates.

At

Tee 🦋

, we believe in amplifying voices that matter, and her addition to our team aligns perfectly with our mission. We can’t wait for you all to experience her work, engage with her ideas, and be inspired by her storytelling. Join us in giving her a warm welcome and stay tuned for the incredible content she’s bringing to the table.

Welcome to the family!