Black History in America is American History. Separating Black History as an elective, optional subject for teachers and students disadvantages not only Black students but all students. This creates misunderstandings and ill informed, conflict-ridden relationships.
Just look at how many current cases are popping up of prominent lawmakers, entertainers and government officials who engaged in some racially offensive language or behavior because, ‘they didn’t know’ the pain they’d cause.
It is silly that black, white, asian and hispanic students could sit in classrooms next to each other elementary through high school, but cultural and historical knowledge of only one group would be highlighted. I believe that the struggles, achievements, innovations and contributions of Blacks in America are a part of the American context no less than those of the Europeans who ‘settled’ on this continent.
Therefore in art class, black American artists should be discussed right along with Norman Rockwell. In science class, black American scientists should be discussed right along with Alexander Graham Bell. To exclude the contributions, trials and triumphs of American blacks in the general education and to exclusively highlight those of European descendants suggests we are irrelevant. But what we know is that we are not irrelevant to this great nation. In fact, we are as relevant as the settlers and founders themselves. Therefore it is an absolute absurdity that only “1-2 lessons or 8-9% of total class time is devoted to Black history in U.S. classrooms.” (https://www.socialstudies.org/system/files/publications/articles/se_810117014.pdf)
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