Florida Students Organize Saturday Black History Lessons, Defying State Curriculum
Despite a 30-year-old state mandate, the teaching of African American history in Florida remains inconsistent and inadequate, prompting community initiatives to fill the gap. Many families lack confidence in public schools’ ability to provide comprehensive instruction, citing limitations to well-known figures and infrequent coverage beyond Black History Month. This inadequacy is further exacerbated by recent state laws restricting discussions of race and history in schools, hindering educators and leading to the creation of independent Black history programs. Consequently, community organizations and churches are stepping up to provide the vital historical education lacking in many Florida schools.
John Q. Hosedrinker