Florida students are giving up Saturdays to learn Black history their schools don’t teach

In Florida, students are voluntarily attending Saturday classes to learn African American history lessons not comprehensively covered in public schools. Programs at the Spady Cultural Heritage Museum in Delray Beach and similar community efforts address topics like slavery, segregation, civil rights activism, and Florida’s Black history. These initiatives, often supported by Black churches and advocacy groups, aim to fill gaps left by the state’s inconsistent enforcement of its 1994 mandate to teach African American history.

Despite the state requirement, many districts limit lessons to well-known figures and Black History Month, with only 30 of 67 districts offering standalone Black history courses. Restrictions championed by Governor Ron DeSantis, including laws limiting discussions on race, have further hindered comprehensive instruction.

Grassroots efforts by individuals like Charlene Farrington and Sulaya Williams, who lead community-based programs, ensure students learn about their cultural heritage. Advocates like Marvin Dunn and Tameka Bradley Hobbs emphasize self-reliance in preserving Black history, especially as some educators avoid controversial topics for fear of violating state law. These programs aim to provide students with a deeper understanding of their history and its influence on modern society.

Source: AP News