via Wikimedia
Back in 1933, Dr. Carter G. Woodson’s renowned book “The Mis-Education of the Negro” was published.
With insights about how public schools do NOT teach Black children, but instead condition them to accept being second-rate citizens, his book remains as relevant today as it was then.
Fortunately, a task force is taking back control of how Black students are educated in the Sunshine State.
Florida’s Commissioner of Education’s African American History Task Force has one simple mission: educate students about the many contributions Black people have made to Florida and beyond.
As esteemed author bell hooks acknowledges in her book, “Rock My Soul,” educational foundations have a powerful impact on the self-esteem of Black children.
By advocating for Black history, this task force can both decrease the dropout rate of Black students AND boost their self-esteem.
When students learn, they’re not just absorbing random facts. They’re being taught the ways of the world - and how they fit into it.
By excluding the contributions of Black people, public schools are miseducating Black students, brainwashing them to believe they are inferior.
But thanks to this task force and others like it, Black children are not only getting a lesson in their historical greatness. They’re learning they can go forth into the world and be great, too.