The Great Migration can get forgotten if we don't pay attention or bear witness to it. It's part of my personal history and the history of millions of African Americans who left those oppressive conditions for better lives in the North. It's important to put that on the page.

In the quote "The Great Migration can get forgotten if we don't pay attention or bear witness to it. It's part of my personal history and the history of millions of African Americans who left those oppressive conditions for better lives in the North. It's important to put that on the page," Jacqueline Woodson, a celebrated American author, emphasizes the importance of remembering and documenting the historical experience of the Great Migration. This mass movement of African Americans from the rural South to the urban North between the early 20th century and the 1970s was a pivotal event in American history, driven by the desire for freedom and better economic opportunities.

Woodson highlights how the Great Migration has been overlooked or forgotten in some narratives, despite its significance. By calling for attention to be paid to this history, she stresses the need for people to acknowledge and bear witness to the struggles and resilience of those who made the journey. For Woodson, this history is not just a distant event; it is deeply personal and tied to the experiences of millions of African Americans, including herself. She connects this history to her own identity and the shared experiences of those who sought refuge from the oppressive conditions of the South.

The quote also speaks to the importance of documenting this part of history. Woodson believes that telling the stories of those who left the South for the North is essential for understanding the broader narrative of African American life. By writing about it, she helps ensure that the experiences and sacrifices of those who participated in the Great Migration are not forgotten, allowing future generations to understand the immense impact this migration had on American society.

Ultimately, Woodson's statement is a call to preserve and honor the history of the Great Migration, recognizing it as a defining chapter in the African American experience. By sharing these stories, Woodson ensures that this crucial movement is acknowledged, understood, and remembered as part of the collective memory of both African Americans and the broader American public.