There comes a moment in every generation where a choice must be made—a choice between preservation and loss, remembrance and erasure, voice and silence. Today, we stand at precisely such a crossroads. The launch of THOU (The History Of Us) is not simply the initiation of a project, nor merely the opening of a digital space. It is, above all, an affirmation—a powerful assertion of identity, dignity, and the timeless importance of our collective story.
As Kenneth Young, I have witnessed firsthand how swiftly our histories can vanish when not deliberately and passionately safeguarded. Each day, countless narratives disappear, fading into the recesses of forgotten memories and unspoken experiences. Each story lost represents wisdom we desperately need, perspectives vital for shaping not only our cultural landscape but also the very algorithms and artificial intelligences that increasingly govern our understanding of the world.
THOU arises from a profound urgency: to reclaim and reassert control over how we are remembered. It is an earnest and intentional response to the troubling trend of historical omission and revision. By documenting authentic experiences—through heartfelt interviews with our elders, transformative narratives of groundbreakers, and reflections of ordinary people—we offer future generations an invaluable legacy of truth.
The rhetorical power of THOU lies in its radical inclusivity and authenticity. Aristotle spoke of ethos, pathos, and logos as cornerstones of persuasive discourse. Ethos, the credibility we build through truthful storytelling; pathos, the emotional resonance stirred by heartfelt narrative; and logos, the rational imperative to ensure accuracy in our digital age. THOU embodies these principles fully, uniting passion, logic, and integrity in service of our shared heritage.
I am humbled by the magnitude of what we’ve begun. Yet, my pride is tempered by responsibility—the profound responsibility to uphold the truth, to dignify each voice, and to never waiver in the pursuit of genuine representation. In this pursuit, THOU is more than a digital archive. It is an ongoing dialogue between generations, a living testament to the resilience and wisdom of those who have come before us.
I call upon each of you now, not merely to observe, but to engage actively in this essential undertaking. Contribute your voice, seek out untold stories, and share them boldly. Together, we forge a history that cannot be rewritten by omission or distorted by ignorance.
Welcome to THOU—where the power of storytelling becomes the legacy of us all.
— Kenneth Young