There has been a growing recognition of the importance of accurately teaching African American history in recent years. The Florida African American school standards are a response to this need, aimed at providing a more comprehensive and accurate portrayal of African American history. The standards have been controversial, with some critics arguing that they include inaccurate information regarding the development of skills by slaves.
Specifically, some critics have taken issue with page six of the standards, which states that instruction would include “how slaves developed skills which, in some instances, could be applied for their benefit.” Vice President Kamala Harris has spoken out against this particular benchmark, announcing that she will address it in a speech in Jacksonville. However, the creators of the standards, Dr. William Allen and Dr. Frances Presley Rice, have defended this benchmark clarification, stating that the “intent” is simply to show that some slaves developed highly specialized trades from which they benefitted. (After all, building America, including the White House, would have required many skills from slaves.)
The creators of the standards have listed several examples of slaves who developed highly specialized trades, including blacksmiths, shoemakers, fishing and shipping industry workers, tailors, and teachers. These individuals could use their skills to benefit themselves and their communities. The workgroup used a “methodical process” to ensure that the new standards provide comprehensive and rigorous instruction on African American history.
The standards update Florida state academic standards in social studies for African American history to align with changes from HB 7 during the 2022 Legislative Session. The joint statement from the creators of the standards emphasizes that “any attempt to reduce slaves to just victims of oppression fails to recognize their strength, courage, and resiliency during a difficult time in American history.”
While some have criticized the standards for not fully addressing the “harrowing realities of slavery,” the creators of the standards have emphasized that they incorporate all components of African American history, “the good, the bad, and the ugly.” The proposed standards also include identifying African Americans who demonstrated “heroism and patriotism” and those who made “positive contributions” in Florida, such as Booker T. Washington, Jesse Owens, Tuskegee Airmen, Martin Luther King Jr., Rosa Parks, President Barack Obama, 1st Lt. Vernon Baker, Sgt. 1st Class, and Melvin Morris.
The standards also note African Americans who were pioneers in their field, including former President Barack Obama, Vice President Kamala Harris, Secretary of State Colin Powell, Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson, Justice Clarence Thomas, Representative Shirley Chisholm, Arthur Ashe, and Ronald McNair. Instruction includes the ramifications of prejudice, racism, stereotyping of individual freedoms, and acts of violence perpetrated against and by African Americans throughout history.
It seems that much of the controversy surrounding Black history is due to the progressive movement’s desire to control how it is presented. They would have likely excluded any mention of Clarence Thomas if given the chance! This is just another chapter in the ongoing battle between the “1619” Project, a long-form journalism initiative developed by Nikole Hannah-Jones, and the “1776” Project by Coleman Hughes and other prominent Black intellectuals. The “1619” Project argues that America is fundamentally racist and that white supremacy is ingrained in the country’s DNA, while the “1776” Project seeks to reaffirm the anti-slavery principles of the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution. The fight for social justice advocates is often for equal application of the law and constitution, regardless of race or socioeconomic status. The tone of teaching Black history is certainly important, as it will impact the future of racial harmony and equality.
According to my thesis, the “1619” project has captured the white world; it keeps Black people firmly anchored to slavery. For them, this was when Black people contributed the most to the development of America. Their unrecognized free labor built the riches of America, while they were excluded and kept poor by Apathied-like laws that kept them as virtual slaves and second-class citizens of the USA. I am unsure on what basis white people think they can inject themselves into a debate between Black people and trust themselves to select the best view for advancing the lives of Black people.
The controversy surrounding the Florida African American school standards highlights the importance of understanding and accurately portraying all aspects of history, including the experiences of oppressed groups such as slaves. While some may argue that the standards do not fully address the horrors of slavery, others argue that it is important to recognize the strength, courage, and resiliency of those who experienced it. Ultimately, these standards aim to provide comprehensive and rigorous instruction on African American history, including all components of the African American experience.
It is essential to understand that the African American experience is not just one of slavery and victimhood but also determination, resilience, and resourcefulness. The skills and trades developed by some slaves are a testament to their ingenuity and ability to survive and thrive in the face of adversity. By acknowledging these stories and experiences, we can better understand the complexities of African American history and work towards a more equitable and just society.
We must also recognize that the African American experience extends beyond slavery and includes a rich and diverse cultural heritage that has significantly contributed to American society. From literature and music to science and politics, African Americans have played an integral role in shaping the fabric of our nation. By highlighting these contributions and exploring the various facets of the African American experience, we can gain a deeper appreciation for the struggles and triumphs of this community.
The Florida African American school standards aim to provide a more comprehensive and accurate portrayal of African American history. The creators of the standards have taken a methodical approach to ensure that all components of African American history are included, from the struggles of slavery to the triumphs of African Americans in various fields. The standards’ controversy has sparked important conversations about their framing and language. Still, it is important to recognize that they provide a necessary step towards a more equitable and just society.
By acknowledging the strength, courage, and resilience of those who experienced slavery and other forms of oppression, we can move towards a more accurate and honest portrayal of history. The African American experience is not one of victimhood but also one of determination and resourcefulness, and it is important to recognize and celebrate these stories. Ultimately, the Florida African American school standards provide an opportunity to understand African American history’s complexities better and work towards a more just and equitable society for all.
African Americans have had an outsized influence on American culture, despite being a minority. Unfortunately, some politicians, like Biden, pander to Black people by quickly attributing inventions to Black inventors. These revelations should highlight the brilliance of African Americans, but instead, they often portray how white Americans stole and became wealthy while inventors received little benefit from their resourcefulness. However, these claims are often misleading or false. During a recent speech, President Biden mentioned that a Black man invented the electric light bulb, but this claim was not fact-checked.
The Florida African American school standards are an important step towards providing comprehensive and accurate instruction on African American history. While there may be debates about the framing and language used in these standards, it is important to recognize the importance of accurately portraying the African American experience, including all components of the African American experience. We can move towards a more equal and just society by acknowledging African Americans’ strength, resilience, and resourcefulness. We dam Blacks have had to overcome a lot, and overcome we certainly have!
(The UK also had a similar battle Reference C.R.E.D chaired by Dr Tony Sewell:
Commission on Race and Ethnic Disparities March 2021
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