Erasing Black History

Good day Curious Innovators,

Welcome to your weekly spark of curiosity! This newsletter shares practical insights on how curiosity can strengthen innovation and create positive impact.

If you’re new here, let me introduce myself. I’m Marie Roker-Jones, and I love talking about leveraging curiosity to develop new ideas while also understanding each other better.

This week, I'm spotlighting a news story that's casting a shadow over Black History Month.

Weekly Dose of Innovative Insight

Today's Big Question: How can we prevent Black history from continuing to be erased?

Why this matters: At a time when understanding every facet of our history is more important than ever, the sidelining of Black History is a step back. It's not just about honoring the past; it's about shaping a future that acknowledges all contributions to history. It's about ensuring that future generations have a full, unfiltered view of the past to build a more inclusive future.

A Florida school's decision to require permission slips for students to participate in Black History Month events is raising concerns about accessibility to crucial historical education.. This act is a step towards the erasure of Black history, reflecting a larger trend of marginalization in education systems.

Requiring permission slips for Black History Month events might seem minor, but it symbolizes a larger problem of how Black History is treated in education and society. It sends a message that Black History is not American history. A curriculum that marginalizes Black History contributes to a skewed understanding of our past, reinforcing stereotypes and biases. Failure to recognize the contributions and struggles of Black Americans, impacts how we see ourselves and each other.

Why I'm talking about this: This policy is a wake-up call, signaling a deeper issue within our education system. Making Black History 'optional' through permission slips is a direct participation in the dilution and erasure of narratives that have shaped, and continue to shape, our nation. It highlights the ongoing battle over who gets to be remembered, how they are remebered, and why they are remembered.

Curiosity Challenges

Challenge #1: Reflect on your own educational experience. How was Black History presented, and what impact did it have on your perspective?

Challenge #2: Engage with a piece of Black History or culture this month that you are unfamiliar with. This could be a book, a documentary, or a local event.

Key Takeaway: The erasure of Black history is a significant issue that affects not only the Black community. It's about more than just a month; it's a year-round commitment to learning, understanding, and appreciating our contributions to history.

Action Steps:

Reflect on the influence and contributions of African Americans within your industry

Initiate or join collaborative projects that focus on issues relevant to African Americans in your industry, such as diversity and inclusion initiatives, research projects, or community engagement programs.

Innovations and Achievements:

Identify specific innovations, techniques, or methodologies introduced by African Americans in your field. Acknowledge how these contributions have shaped practices, standards, or advancements in your industry.

Representation and Leadership:

Assess the level of representation and leadership roles held by African Americans in your industry. Consider how their perspectives and leadership styles have influenced industry norms, culture, and policies.

Cultural Impact:

Explore how African American culture has influenced your industry, from aesthetic and creative approaches to the integration of cultural values and social justice issues.

Start a conversation within your community or workplace about the importance of inclusive history education.

Research and Gather Information: Start by educating yourself on the current state of history education, particularly in relation to Black History. Look for credible sources, academic papers, and current curricula to understand what's missing or could be improved.

Identify Key Stakeholders: Determine who in your community or workplace has the influence or responsibility for educational content, such as school board members, educators, HR professionals, or community leaders.

Looking forward to sparking more curiosity next week!

Marie