In Florida, a growing movement within Black churches and congregations is challenging the state’s official educational curriculum, claiming that it fails to accurately depict Black history.
DeSantis’ Educational Changes
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, a Republican eyeing his party’s 2024 presidential nomination, has come under scrutiny for his role in changes to the Black history curriculum. The Department of Education rejected an AP African American Studies course for high school students earlier this year, citing concerns over “historical accuracy” and “educational value.”
A Questionable Curriculum
Notably, one contentious line within the new guidelines suggests that slaves developed skills that could benefit them personally, sparking a heated debate on its historical accuracy and criticisms from prominent figures like Vice President Kamala Harris.
Challenges and Controversies
DeSantis decided to distance himself from the curriculum changes during a press conference and claimed he wasn’t involved in the decision-making process. Regardless of his claims, the controversy is still very heated with many seeing the changes made to be pro-slavery propaganda.
Black Churches Take Matters Into Their Own Hands
Now, in Florida, Black churches and congressions have decided to take matters into their own hands and have begun to offer alternative Black history teachings. Led by Black pastors, these churches are committed to presenting an accurate account of the past.
Faith in Florida’s Initiative
The organization Faith in Florida, a multicultural nonpartisan network of congregational community organizations, created its own curriculum in May with the aim to “take our history and education back into our own hands.” They’ve even developed an online toolkit offering resources to the Black community.
Despite vs. Because
Linda Wiggins-Chavis, the organization’s research and policy coordinator, emphasized that people came to the United States with skills and developed them despite slavery, not because of it. Both Pastor Kenneth Johnson and Rhonda Thomas, the executive director of Faith in Florida, argue that it is their responsibility to teach an unwatered-down version of history.
An Academic Perspective
Davis Houck, a professor of rhetorical studies at Florida State University and an expert on the Black Freedom Movement, said that Black churches have historically taught Black American history. However, the recent efforts aim to formalize structured lesson plans and incorporate primary historical sources.
Not Very Surprising
Houk said: “This doesn’t surprise me at all. If Black community leaders perceive their history is not being accurately taught, it stands to reason that they would do it themselves – especially because their families have lived that history.”
The Trend Isn’t Unique
Houck also pointed out that this trend is not unique to Black communities; some White evangelicals are also opting for alternative educational approaches due to concerns about public school curricula.
White Evangelicals and Home-Schooling
Houk said: “On the other side of the ideological register, some White evangelicals are home-schooling their children or sending them to private schools for some of the same reasons, namely that the curricula in public schools, in their estimation, is failing.”
Uncertain Impact on Society
The impact of these diverging narratives on society remains uncertain. If these alternative history lessons are well-vetted and accurate, they could contribute to a broader understanding of Black history. However, inaccuracies in teaching may exacerbate existing ideological divides.
Protests and Criticism Persist
Protests against Florida’s Black history standards are still in full force. Teachers, students, and community members marched to the Miami-Dade school board headquarters, denouncing the guidelines as “historically inaccurate, troubling, and deeply offensive.” The debate over how to teach Black history in Florida rages on, with educators, churches, and communities determined to have their voices heard.
The Internet Responded
News of Black churches taking matters into their own hands was shared across social media and, for the most part, people supported them. One person said: “Floridians are realizing toxic, wannabe fascist Ron doesn’t care about FL. He can’t get the legislature to allow him another term, so he has to chase after Donald’s scraps.”
More Rebellion on the Horizon
Others specifically directed their comments at DeSantis, telling him that more rebellion is on the horizon. One such individual said: “Face it, Ron. You don’t have any likable qualities. Now the Christians are rebelling. Who will be next?”
A Heated Debate
Some people argued about the situation. “Well, I guess he found out how far he can push the people with his idiotic policies,” one person wrote. “This small faction didn’t vote for him in the first place. Nothing lost,” another hit back.
How Fascism Spreads
Others discussed the nature of fascism. One person said: “Christians love when he takes away the rights of others but it won’t be so delightful when he starts telling them what they can and cannot do in their churches. That’s how fascism spreads. If he does it to one group, eventually he’ll do it to all.”
Government Officials and Political Donors
Some people discussed religion as a whole and talked about what, in their opinion, religious people should be doing. One individual said: “Religion needs to go after greed. Government officials and political donors would be a great place to begin. Then I might believe that they are devout.”
A Call to Action
Others called on Christians to stand against far-right ideologies. One person wrote: “Christians who haven’t already sold their souls to Trump and the MAGA cult need to rise up and vote against the MAGA GOP.”
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