Websters Dictionary defines the word picnic as an outing where people socialize and food is served. I found the origin of this word distressing, to say the least. Afro-American history, professional circles acknowledge the origin of the term “picnic” derives from the act of lynching, maiming, and burning of Afro Americans during slavery and following reconstruction. Members of the KKK and other racist whites would dress up and attend festive family outings with food and drink. To entertain themselves they often kidnapped an unfortunate black person (mostly males) they would beat, burn and/or lynch them. These terrible events took place in front of cheering crowds including children. The word “picnic” is rooted from the whole term “pick a nigger”. This information has been verified by the Smithsonian Institute African-American Archives. Our current president’s opinions about people of color clearly show that when it comes to race relations America’s racial past should not be ignored as our society moves forward.