THE UNSPOKEN HISTORY BEHIND A SURNAME

by Lolly Bowean

PART A: Which statement expresses the central idea of the text?

A ) Most African Americans have changed their surnames in order to reject any connections they might have to past slavery.

B) Discussing the origins of African Americans’ surnames is a good way to bring attention to America’s history of slavery.

C )Knowing the origins of people’s surnames in America can better help us understand the nation’s history.

D )African Americans have a complicated and, at times, painful history with their surnames which is not easy to discuss.

"The Unspoken History Behind a Surname" is an article written by Lolly Bowean. The author through this article shares her experience when people inquire about the origin of her surname.

The author writes that when people probe her about her origin, at times it is painful to discuss it. As it will mean to go back to the times of enslavement and the legacy of Americans. The author says that when, once a lady asked her about her origin and she explained to her how Boweans came from through the marrriage of 'Norwoods' and 'Wakefields', the lady almost whispered that 'they were whites.'

The author then recalls how difficult it becomes, at times, to discuss about her origin as the baggage of race comes upon her. She says that though she is not ashamed of her enslaved ancestors, but people rarely wants to discuss about the history.

So, the correct answer is option D.