One of the biggest issues that continue to draw my attention is the fact that African-American history is not taught in the schools, particularly the urban schools. 

When I assumed the position of curriculum director, I soon recognized that African-American history is offered as an elective course -- after the core requirements are met.  In urban districts, where the majority of the population represents anywhere from 85-100% African-American students, learning their heritage is not required, some would argue, and not as important.  We teach civics, world history, and American history between 1775-1800s -- and the only mention of African-American history references “slavery.”  How many different ways and times is the African-American child taught (from the textbook) of the cruelty of slavery, not having civil rights, etc? The reverberating message is that their history adds up to nothing more than repeated experiences of “being lesser than.”

I decided to make African-American history and literature a required course: My district is 85% African-American, with only 15% Caucasian students. As the curriculum was being designed, I was met with hesitation, tons of inquires, and the basic question, “Why are you doing this? The state department, colleges, and universities do not recognize this 'kind of history class' as a 'college-bound course.'"

I decided to call our state department to verify -- according to the state curriculum director, “No one in the state of Missouri has ever asked the question of mandating African-American history/literature as a required course…” The state department was delighted, and offered to help -- this will be a requirement for the 2009-2010 year.

My question(s) to all educators: “Why not? Why do we continue to talk about this issue and choose to do nothing?” Black Americans made history long before slavery. Why does it seem as though slavery, denied public service, colored restrooms and drinking fountains are our “only" marks in history within the United States? I strongly believe, if our African-American boys and girls are exposed and mandated to learn their culture and the vast contributions made in America, we will strengthen their self-confidence, making them prideful of their history, minimize drop-out (they will want to come to school and feel a sense of connection as to who they are and their roots), and begin to address the cultural gaps in our schools.  It’s not okay that every history book skims the African-American contributions and elaborates on the others.

All teachers, not just the African-American teachers, will teach the course, but all who are certified in social studies will help our teachers to be more cognizant of the African-American contributions to America. As we know, many white teachers are comfortable teaching “their" history and skimming the slavery section in the textbook; they must recognize that they need to understand, appreciate, and teach the culture to their children if they choose to work in a predominately African-American urban district.

 

Paula Knight is Executive Director of Curriculum and Instruction K-12, for the St. Louis Public Schools.

 

 

  

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