ABC network has recently aired a special series called “Women of the Movement.” One woman featured is Mamie Till, the mother of Emmett Till who was murdered in America in the 1950’s at the age of 14.
The title of Mrs. Till’s story is “Let the World See.” This is exactly how I feel about the battle against critical race theory/CRT in public education.
Fueled by racism, the main idea of the CRT bandwagon is simple.
Opposers don’t want their children exposed to the truth of American and world history in regards to the major role of racism and hatred. It is also a continuation of elitist, classist, and racist indignations that are designed to keep the power of whiteness in control of others.
The battle against critical race theory in public education from Pre K to higher education is an attempt to erase cultures outside of whiteness and stop the progressive work of civil rights.
This is our modern day Brown vs the Board of Education. The question is: “will children in public schools not identified as ‘white’ be allowed to learn with fair, equal, and honest representation?”
It seems as if white people are fine with Blacks being taught as slaves in public school curriculum but can’t accept the role of their ancestors as oppressors and racists!
Parents of children of color or children identified by labels that aren’t protected by “whiteness” in America should consider these five facts regarding Critical Race Theory.
- Critical Race Theory isn’t what’s being attacked; diversity and inclusion are.
- CRT reminds us that public schools don’t have a multicultural curriculum.
- Representation matters in how we teach history.
- Not teaching the truth about racism is racist.
- Racism isn’t a pretty story. Period!
The fight against critical race theory is a fight against the inclusion of Black American stories in schools.
I asked male educators of color their thoughts on critical race theory. Anthony Downer in Atlanta, Georgia is a history teacher.
Not having the ability to discuss the reality of racism in America with students is setting the clock back on civil rights, justice, and freedom for all. Furthermore, the debate on critical race theory is centered on protecting white youth from learning the truth about racism while disenfranchising the very youth whose ancestors were victims of racial hatred, discrimination, and murder.
It takes organizations like Profound Gentlemen and the Center for Black Educator Development to continue to support and empower male educators of color and Black educators respectively to lift their voices for social justice and inclusion of all the students we serve.
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.