Unfortunately, Black students, in particular, are contending with emotions they may find difficult to articulate. Black students are fighting forces that were strategically established to maintain academic neutrality, while other students have significantly more opportunities to excel because they are exposed to the contributions of their ancestors – daily celebrating their history, culture, and existence throughout history textbooks and society at-large.  

According to research regarding culturally responsive teaching and learning, there is a direct correlation between students’ self-awareness and academic achievement.  There is an obvious need for Black American students to achieve in the same manner – being culturally astute matters!

 The lack of historical content has been a significant influencer of negative outcomes for black students and communities including:

• Lack of self-awareness
• Lack of self-esteem
• Lack of intrinsic motivation
• Decreased academic achievement
• Truancy
• Discipline referrals
• Criminal activity
• Prison sentences
• Death

   

All STUDENTS

White students benefit from learning about other cultures in much the same way as students of color. It is important for all learners to understand and acknowledge the contributions of persons from varied cultures, ethnicities, and backgrounds in order to fully appreciate all of humanity. There is no dominant race, but individuals of shared ethnicities offer traits and talents that benefit society-at-large. History is a rich, engaging subject that should be inclusive of all and Black American history truly includes Native American and European history. When all students learn to grapple with their varied pasts, they are more prepared to create the future they deserve.

 EDUCATORS

For decades and even centuries, teachers have been encouraged to tell a pretty lop-sided story. Although many educators have taken the initiative to be more inclusive in their delivery of history and social science instruction, there have been few mandates to do so. Educators and decision-makers within our system are also influenced by the lack of black history curriculum and participate in the demise of historically forgotten communities by:

• Accepting negative stereotypes
• Displaying biases  
• Acting on fear of the unknown
• Refusing to acknowledge the contributions and challenges of black Americans
• Not challenging discriminatory behavior
• Challenging progressive movements that would bring more inclusive history and social studies curriculum

While historically teachers have not been “trained” to teach history, BH365 offers resources and supports to begin to unlearn historical biases and teach well-rounded lessons that include and engage all students.