Black History Month should not begin and end with lessons of American slavery – Shaun King
The representation of Blacks in America within text books and the media has not truly reflected our race positively. Our ancestors are often portrayed servants or slaves. Those who fought against the injustice experienced by Black citizens were labeled as rebels. Re-defining Black history will help character development for all races.
Slavery is not the only part of Black history that should be highlighted in America.
I believe Black students would perform better in Math and Science if they were taught the history of Black Wall Street or about the math formula and sciences used build pyramids. The depiction of Blacks in American history impacts the character of Black children who don’t get to see positive images of Black Americans. It’s important that the success of Black children is affirmed in schools.
Teaching Black history is a resource to schools implementing character education. Character and culture go hand in hand and Black history is game changer for improving student discipline with Black students.
Experience and expose through teaching Black history gives them many options towards success they may not know exist. The constant depiction of the Black race as violent, thugs and criminals also impacts the school to prison pipeline. Many advocates describe the school to prison pipeline as a way to continue the enslavement of Blacks. Restorative justice best practices in schools helps to build relationships with law enforcement and youth. It positively reinforces rules and teaches youth how to become model citizens.
Jason has worked in education for over 15 years as a teacher, blogger and community advocate. He speaks and writes primarily about the need to improve education for Black boys, particularly increasing the number of Black male educators in schools. In addition to blogging here at EdLanta, Jason is also a featured writer at Education Post.