Educators must know the nature of power to be able to teach black children to understand their history and gain self-worth.

Psychology professor Asa Hilliard was speaking to an audience of teachers, school administrators and others at the Bermuda College Tuesday night.

Dr. Hilliard, who teaches at Georgia State University, Atlanta, also lectured to students and spoke to educational officials on the importance of the African contribution to world history.

He stressed that despite the "hegemony'' of a society that, since 1492, has practised oppression on blacks, young people could succeed if they and their teachers had the right tools.

Dr. Hilliard told teachers: "You have an opportunity to set new content for children so that they know themselves. You have a special opportunity.'' Using quotes from European philosophers and scientists, he explained that western society had always thought of black people as being uncivilised, without history, and religion.

Such falsification, he added, is the mind-set of wider society and is a "monumental'' task for educators to correct.

The falsification of African history was used to justify and buttress slavery in western culture.

Explaining his model of the power that influences society, he said teachers must dismantle what we know of African history and begin teaching the truth.

Dr. Hilliard gave examples of black history that had been denied to both students and teachers and asked: "why is it important? By providing an education of pacification, we raise subordinate people,'' he said.

"Africans were brought here and not allowed to be Africans.'' He said the forced change from an ethnic identity to skin colour made the separation of blacks from their history complete.

To change this everyone must study the history of Africa dating back to more than 250,000 years ago.

"But don't put black people where there are none,'' he said, "and leave them where they were.'' Dr. Hilliard added: "I'm a psychologist who is trying to figure out how we cripple children with what we teach them.'' Speaking about the Ebonics controversy, Dr. Hilliard said he helped organise a teaching programme using Ebonics for special education students.

Their standard of English improved so greatly, they became public speakers.

KNOW THY HISTORY -- Georgia State University psychology professor Asa Hilliard spoke to students and teachers yesterday at the Bermuda College. He stressed the importance of knowing the contributions of Africans worldwide.