The politicisation of Black history
Black history is American history – a fact that countless educators, politicians, and members of the public agree upon. Yet the way that Black history is taught has become fraught with controversy as firebrands stoke the culture war. Governor Ron DeSantis has emerged as one of the most outspoken voices on the subject, blocking an advanced placement African American studies course at high schools in Florida on the grounds that it “significantly lacks educational value.” The state’s commissioner of education claimed that it was “woke indoctrination masquerading as education” – an argument that several conservative legislators nationwide have echoed. Other states have taken progressive steps to expand access to the AP course, but the College Board’s decision to remove classes on topics such as Black Lives Matter and queer theory prompted criticism that it bowed to political pressure. As with the furore around critical race theory, identity politics are transforming how Americans perceive education. While some argue that there’s a political agenda in teaching young people about race, the reality is that centuries of ‘depoliticised’ history have erased the presence and impact of Black and other marginalised communities. Social media has helped challenge and rewrite whitewashed stories from the past, and some Black households have started home-schooling to create culturally affirming learning environments, but more can be done to boost the public’s understanding of and appreciation for Black history. The New York Times’ 1619 Project was one such effort, and despite the negative reaction from some quarters, it demonstrates the role that brands can play in restoring marginalised voices to the American narrative.
