Whitewashing History

#Antiracism #History #Florida #Justice #Education

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Whitewashing history rarely – if ever inspires greatness. By negating the more inspirational truths of our culture we fail future generations. African American history includes true stories of those who overcame great adversity to create a better society. It also includes gross atrocities that require discernment and introspection. As a result, the lessons therein point to a more inclusive way of life for everyone. Ultimately, this education facilitates a more unified and stronger America.

However, some folks take offense to this route. Florida Governor DeSantis recently signed the “Stop Woke Act” (April 22, 2022). This Act states that Florida university faculty members who teach Critical Race Theory could be?fired. Furthermore, a violation of the Stop Woke Act would make schools ineligible for what is known as performance funding. It would appear that Governor DeSantis has disdain for a more unified community.

But the Governor of Florida claimed that “elements of the course were permeated with “radical” political perspectives that failed to capture the spectrum of black public opinion on several issues, including criminal justice.” Folks, there is nothing radical about the truth. Furthermore, the “spectrum of Black opinion” is not what is being taught in the course.

According to the College Board’s website, “the course is designed to offer high school students an evidence-based introduction to African American studies.” This interdisciplinary course has been ten years in the making. It explores literature, the arts and humanities, political science, geography, as well as science – highlighting the vital contributions and experiences of African Americans throughout our history.

Most recently, the Florida Board of Education denied high school students their right to take this AP African American history course. Such knowledge would afford these students a broader understanding of American culture and how they can better our society moving forward. Moreover, a full view of our reality would allow these future leaders to bring the best out of their team members no matter their ethnicity.

A letter from the Florida Department of Education to the College Board stated, “As presented, the content of this course is inexplicably contrary to Florida law and significantly lacks educational value.” Governor DeSantis claimed that the AP African American history course was an “indoctrination.” Indoctrination into what? A greater understanding of our civilization?

Awareness is the single most beneficial source of weaponry. As the great Maya Angelou said, “When we know better, we do better.” The stark truth is that AP African American history courses could improve our society at large. And some people would rather fight to the death than see that happen.

Here’s the thing, the most inspiring stories of strength and perseverance in the United States of America belong to our Black community. If you refuse to believe that... you need to take an African American history course. When the truth slaps you in the face with facts, there is no denying it. So why is the Governor of Florida trying to erase it?

Trust me when I tell you, if you have a child in any school system in this country, you want them to learn Black history.

Reason 1: to empower them to persevere in the face of adversity.

Reason 2: to better understand the culture in which they live and how they can make it benefit everyone.

Reason 3: so that we don’t repeat the same mistakes. (We are dangerously dancing on the edge of this one.)

When we are taught different perspectives, it allows us to create a stronger, more unified culture overall. It affords our citizens the opportunity to engage in civil discord. When everyone is allowed to share their strengths, to speak their truths, and to evolve – entire communities' benefit. Continuing the subjugation of any group, for any reason, only demoralizes and weakens our country as a whole.

When we fail to recognize the greatness within each individual, we fail to reach our full potential. “Black brilliance” isn’t just flagrant rhetoric. It has been a reality through all of human life. To proclaim that there is no educational magnitude in the history of African Americans is to ignore our country’s greatest truth. Yes, Black folks helped build this country. And they did so under great persecution. They did it with no promise of prosperity, nor hope for success.

Yet, they persisted in spite of horrific oppression. And again and again, thriving Black communities were destroyed. Men, women, and children were murdered.

If you want to empower the next generation, and the next, we need to educate them on an entire culture that persevered despite all odds. THAT is our legacy. African Americans carved out a place for themselves despite their oppression. People who were forced to come to this country against their will somehow managed to excel. That strength deserves to be honored.

If we want America to remain a global power, to reach our ultimate potential – we MUST?embrace and even glorify our Black culture. A huge part of our wealth is accredited to the Black community. From powerful music to incredible inventions, we have them to thank.

This truth cannot be denied. We can find it if we dig. But we shouldn’t have to. This knowledge should be readily available for all to embrace. Every school, in every district, no matter the state, should be teaching African American history.

I was in my 30’s pursuing my first degree before I learned the story of Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune. Never heard of her? Most haven’t. She is just one of many reasons why we need African American history taught in our schools. Her story is beyond compelling. It’s inspiring. It’s the very source of motivation that could give future generations the strength and endurance to fulfill their potential. What right do we have to rob them of that?

By ignoring Black history in America, we don’t hide the truth as much as we limit the future. History has always been ugly. For millennia religion has been used to enslave and subjugate the masses to build empires.

We should have surpassed that gross injustice with the demise of the Romans. We definitely should’ve learned the lessons with World War II. Yet here we are – consciously choosing to rob future generations of the very truth that would empower them to create a prolific society.

The good news: Civil Rights attorney, Benjamin Crump is being joined by several Leon County high school students in a lawsuit against the Governor of Florida. Who would have thought that students, in 21st Century America would have to take a state representative to court to fight for a proper education? Yet here we are.

That alone is proof of some progress. Our students want the truth – the whole ugly, embarrassing reality. I hope they win. We deserve the best possible America our history can provide. And that includes a future of truth and prosperity for everyone.

The bottom line is you can’t whitewash the ugly away. It’s a part of who we are. But we can learn from what has happened, if given the opportunity to do so. After all, isn't that what education is for?