John,
It's been
70 years since the Supreme Court's
Brown v. Board of Education decision.
The
Brown v. Board of Education decision set a new standard across the country, allowing education to become accessible for all. It declared segregation illegal and ensured that “everyone” had the same chance at a good education. It was a necessary step in removing the unfair rules that kept people from getting ahead just because of their race or where they came from.
Yet, here we are, still grappling with the same damn issues! 70 years later, white supremacists are rolling back progress through targeted book bans, the policing of education curriculums, and anti-diversity and inclusion initiatives. These aren't just about limiting and restricting progress by policing what information the future generation has access to — they're also about erasing Black history from being passed down through future generations.
This is white supremacy, plain and simple.
John, the fight for teaching necessary truths in our education system and equity will continue until we can ensure every Black person has an opportunity to thrive.
Write a letter to your state legislator and demand they protect and advance teaching Black history and contributions in your state >>
What's happening in our classrooms today goes beyond just education; it's a deliberate attempt to strip away the very tools we need to recognize and combat systemic racism, from understanding its presence to addressing issues like anti-Blackness and state-sanctioned violence.
It's shocking how we've moved from the historical exclusion of Black people from education to now attempting to erase our history from the current curriculum. For example:
- In Texas, House Bill 3979 is pushing to restrict conversations about systemic racism and oppression in schools. This could mean wiping out significant parts of Black history and cultural insights from what students learn.
- In Florida, the Duval County School Board approved a resolution that limits discussing critical race theory in classrooms. This move prevents teachers' ability to delve into topics like systemic racism and how it shapes our society.
This shift from overt to covert forms of racism highlights the constant grip of white supremacy, then and now. With over 550 anti-critical race theory efforts at various governmental levels across the nation, the threat to our history and culture is massive.
This isn't just about what we're learning in school; it's about preserving our heritage and understanding our past in the face of brazen white supremacists.
Take 2 minutes to write a letter to your state legislator urging them to stand up against the systemic racism crisis that lies in the foundation of our education system >>
In love and solidarity,
Black Lives Matter
