As a professor of African American history, an equity officer within Delaware’s K-12 education system and co-lead of the Education Subcommittee of the Delaware Racial Justice Collaborative (DRJC) — which supports passage of Delaware House Bill 198 (HB 198) — I am well-positioned to understand the importance of culturally competent instruction. HB 198, which would require teaching Black history in grades K-12, will be a major tool in providing Delaware students an education that is inclusive of the significant contributions of all Americans.
African American history is American history. Unfortunately, the significant contributions of Black and Africanoid people in the creation and development of this great nation have historically been omitted, suppressed and marginalized. HB 198 will position Delaware as a national leader in recognizing the value of an education that is diverse, equitable and inclusive.
Black History Month sets aside time to observe and celebrate the contributions of Black and Africanoid people throughout the diaspora. But just as Carter G. Woodson’s Negro History Week expanded to the monthlong observation we know today, it is now time that Black history content takes its rightful place with all other curricula and be taught year-round because Black History Month in K-12 schools tends to highlight iconic individuals without demonstrating the connection to the systemic nature of their struggle.
Imagine learning about George Washington without learning about the American Revolution. It’s why great detail is provided in the Eurocentric recollection of American history. HB 198 will bring the contributions of people like Samuel Burris from Kent County and Louis Redding from Wilmington to light, alongside those of Harriet Tubman and Thurgood Marshall.
In addition, the experiences of African Americans, Native Americans, Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders are inextricably tied in America. You cannot tell the story of African Americans throughout the history of America without the intersectionality of other groups. You can, however, tell the story of American exceptionalism and nostalgia without including the contributions of any of them. That’s largely what K-12 curriculum consists of today, and for the betterment of all students, it’s time for that to change.
A lack of education regarding Black history in America strongly contributes to misunderstanding and drives narratives beset with bigotry and xenophobia because poorly educated children grow up to become poorly educated adults. HB 198 will raise the education level for all children in Delaware’s K-12 system and will move Delawareans toward a better understanding of diverse cultures.
Support HB 198 for better education in Delaware schools!
Cliffvon D. Howell is an equity officer in the Delaware K-12 education system and a professor of African American history.
