Activist history is often marred in sectarianism. This fragmentation means that often the most contentious and least effective voices dominate the narrative, overshadowing the efforts of those who were diligently work on the ground.

Addressing the Challenges

To tell the story of activist history accurately and fairly, we need to work to overcome the following challenges:

  1. Sectarianism and Ideological Divisions: Recognize and address the ideological differences that have historically divided movements. While acknowledging these differences, it is important to focus on the common goals and achievements of all the activists.
  2. Visibility of Voices: Ensure that the voices of those who are/were actively engaged in the work are heard. Often, these individuals are too busy with their activism to document their contributions, resulting in a skewed historical record contributed by the academics and #fahernistas who do have the time.
  3. Comprehensive Documentation: Create a balanced and inclusive archive that captures the diversity of experiences and contributions within the movement. This includes documenting the perspectives of those who were on the frontlines, as well as those who played supporting roles.

Strategies for a Balanced Historical Record

  1. Inclusive Archiving: Encourage all activists, regardless of their role or prominence, to contribute to the archive. This can be facilitated through workshops and training sessions on how to document and share their experiences.
  2. Oral Histories and Podcasts: Record oral histories and podcasts with activists who may not have had the time or resources to document their contributions. These recordings can provide valuable first-hand accounts and insights into the movement.
  3. Decentralized Storytelling: Allow multiple narratives to coexist within the archive. By decentralizing the storytelling process, we can ensure that no single faction or ideology dominates the historical record.
  4. Focus on Issues: Highlight the issues and achievements rather than the personalities within the movement. This helps to shift the focus from individual egos to the collective goals and successes of the movement.
  5. Community Involvement: Involve the community in the archiving process. By engaging a diverse group of people in the documentation effort, we can capture a more holistic and representative history.

By addressing the challenges of sectarianism and ensuring the inclusion of diverse voices, #MakingHistory can create a rich and balanced archive that accurately reflects the efforts and achievements of past and present activists. 

We have a #OMN tech project for this https://opencollective.com/open-media-network/projects/makinghistory