TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — Hidden among Florida’s beautiful landscapes and thriving communities are remnants of its complex history, including the cemeteries of enslaved people and monuments to Confederate soldiers. Yet, the depth of Black history is not fully represented in Florida’s school curriculum.
In Delray Beach, a dedicated group led by Charlene Farrington aims to fill this gap. Each Saturday morning, they gather local teenagers to discuss topics like the Caribbean heritage of South Florida, the troubling history of lynchings, the impact of segregation, and the grassroots efforts behind the Civil Rights Movement.
Farrington passionate beliefs underscore the importance of understanding history. “You need to know how it happened before so you can decide how you want it to happen again,” she tells her students, while they study historic photographs that adorn the walls.
Across Florida, students are increasingly attending programs at places like the Spady Cultural Heritage Museum and various community centers to learn about African American history. Many of these initiatives are sponsored by Black churches, which have long played a role in the cultural and political formation of their community.
Despite Florida mandating the teaching of African American history in public schools for the last 30 years, many families feel disconnected from the state’s education system. According to state reports, only about a dozen districts show strong performance in teaching Black history, indicating that many schools are struggling to implement these lessons effectively.
While school districts claim they adhere to the mandate, dissatisfaction remains. Parents and students alike observe that the lessons often focus narrowly on prominent figures like Martin Luther King Jr. and Rosa Parks, largely limited to the significance of Black History Month.
Seeking more comprehensive education, Sulaya Williams founded her own organization in 2016 to teach Black history in community settings. Her mission is to ensure that local children understand their heritage and share these stories with future generations.
State lawmakers recognized the necessity of African American history education back in 1994, at a time when Florida grappled with its past, notably following an official report regarding the horrific events in the town of Rosewood in 1923.
However, decades later, the execution of these educational requirements remains uneven and, to some, insufficient. Governor Ron DeSantis has recently come under scrutiny for his administration’s approach to educational content concerning race and history. His policies are designed to limit race-related topics in schools, which has garnered significant support from conservatives who are wary of “woke” ideologies infiltrating education.
In 2022, DeSantis signed legislation that restricts discussions on race in schools and workplaces, stating that individuals should not feel guilt for actions taken by past generations. Additionally, an Advanced Placement course on African American Studies proposed for Florida was blocked by the state, with officials labeling it as inaccurate and in violation of state law.
As the education landscape continues to shift, many believe that communities will need to take matters into their own hands to ensure the rich history and contributions of African Americans are preserved and taught. There is a growing sentiment among educators and citizens that fostering self-reliance in understanding one’s history is vital to preserving the legacy of ancestors.
