"History has shown us that courage can be contagious, and hope can take on a life of its own.”~Michelle Obama

As we continue to celebrate Black History Month this February, the call for incorporating more African American history into our school curricula is being amplified by activists, educators, and scholars alike. There is a widespread consensus within the social justice community that students receive inadequate education about the history of racism and its persistent impact on society. In response to this need, several states have enacted legislation to mandate the inclusion of comprehensive African American history education in their public and charter schools.
For instance, Delaware took a significant step with the passage of House Bill 198, signed into law by Governor John Carney on June 17, 2021. This landmark legislation requires school districts and charter schools serving K-12 students to integrate a thorough African American history education into their curricula starting in the academic year 2022-2023. The bill underscores the importance of using primary sources to give students a genuine understanding of the experiences of Black Americans throughout history. It mandates a curriculum that covers the intricate relationship between white supremacy and slavery, the importance of enslavement, and the manifold contributions of African Americans to American life, culture, literature, economy, and history. Moreover, it highlights the necessity of acknowledging historical and racial trauma, thereby encouraging students to understand their roles in combating racism.
Conversely, Florida has shown reluctance in fully embracing Black History Month and advancing the agenda for Black history education. In 2022, Governor Ron DeSantis rejected the inclusion of a proposed advanced African American studies course nationwide, arguing that it promoted a political agenda. He specifically criticized the course's content on reparations, the and the Black Lives Matter movement. As a result, Florida schools now require parental consent for students wishing to participate in Black History Month events, as stipulated by the Parental Bill of Rights.

Despite these controversies, it is evident that Black history is an essential component of human history and deserves recognition and appreciation year-round, not just in February. The focus on Black history during this month serves as a reminder of the need to constantly celebrate the diverse and significant contributions of Black individuals across various sectors, including science, technology, arts, politics, and social justice. Educating about Black history acknowledges and celebrates the achievements and contributions of the past, present, and future. It encompasses a broad spectrum of experiences, from cultural milestones and triumphs to the challenges and injustices the Black community has faced. We must continue to engage in meaningful conversations aimed at addressing issues like the school-to-prison pipeline, protecting Black girls, and fighting against adultification. These discussions are the first step towards acknowledging and addressing systemic inequalities. Moving forward requires policy-driven actions to dismantle these injustices, which include advocating for equitable disciplinary policies, promoting alternative disciplinary approaches, and tackling the underlying systemic issues.
The specific challenges that Black girls face, including stereotypes, biases, and adultification—a phenomenon where young Black girls are perceived as older and less innocent than their white counterparts—demand immediate attention. Fighting adultification means challenging these stereotypes and advocating for equal treatment and opportunities for Black girls. It's also vital to celebrate the contributions of historical and contemporary Black female figures who, even at a young age, have made significant impacts. Figures like Ruby Bridges, Mari Copeny, Mo'ne Davis, Mikaila Ulmer, and Amanda Gorman, along with groups like Girls With Pearls, are shining examples of young leaders who are making a positive difference. By highlighting these achievements, we honor the past while looking forward to a brighter future for the Black community every day of the year.
We must prepare the next generation with the tools they need to advocate for a more authentic and inclusive representation of Black history and perspectives. The experiences and contributions of Black Americans to American history are invaluable and deserve recognition. As we forge ahead, let our efforts be united in a true spirit of "sisterhood" and "brotherhood," mindful of the legacy of our ancestors. Let's pass on this rich heritage.
Below, you will find responses from a few of my amazing Girls With Pearls, on "The importance of acknowledging the past while looking forward to shaping a brighter future for the Black community."
Parker Cuff
Girls With Pearls
Miss Cover Girls2021, 2022, and 2023
Miss Girls With Pearls 2023 - 2nd Runner-Up
How Can I Make A Difference, Grades 6-12, 1st Place Winner
Academic Achievement
Young Entrepreneur Award
President's Volunteer Service Award
Leadership Award
Circle of Excellence Winner

It is imperative to recognize the historical events that have shaped the present and to channel this knowledge toward creating a prosperous future for the Black community. By acknowledging the past, we can better understand the current state of affairs and design effective solutions that consider this community's unique needs and challenges. This approach requires a nuanced understanding of the complex
socio-economic and political factors that have contributed to systemic inequalities and their impact on the Black community. By leveraging this knowledge, we can create a brighter, inclusive, equitable, and just future.
In the past, black people's treatment was unacceptable. Blacks were dehumanized, whipped, separated from their children, hung, and tortured to death. As time passed, things slowly got better. There was less physical pain and more mental pain. Segregation became a big factor in our history. There was white privilege which allowed whites to go to good schools and access good water fountains, and they went and sat anywhere they wanted. Black people had access to poor education, and dirty water fountains, and were forced to stand on buses or sit in the back. At one point, we had enough and we had to be heard. The point is now called the civil rights movement.
Some people believe racism in America has been eradicated or is no longer an issue. However, this is simply not true. Despite progress in civil rights and the fight against discrimination, racism persists in America. It is a deeply ingrained problem affecting individuals, communities, and institutions nationwide. The idea that racism is over is not only false, but it can also be harmful to those who experience it. That is why books about the black experience are helpful and book bans are bad for students and the overall society. Acknowledging the existence of racism and working towards solutions is necessary for creating a truly equitable and just society.
Aliyah Green
Girls With Pearls
Miss Cover Girls 2023- 2nd Runner-Up
Academic Achievement
President's Volunteer Service Award
Leadership Award
Spirit Award
Dance Award
Circle of Excellence Winner

Looking forward, is what you do while you are walking right? But if you forgot something or dropped something you would come back to get it. That's kind of how life works. You give your trust to somebody and if they drop it, you have to pick it back up. Our ancestors often put that trust out there and had to pick it back up.
How do we cope with the past? One way I cope with the past is having good friends to vent, and a loving family. If you don’t have a good support system, then life could be very stressful. One way I look forward is keeping a good mindset and going to God. Looking back at the past and healing from it is a very hard thing to do, but we as a people have to look back at the struggles of those before us and know that if they made it, so can we! The path was made for new generations to succeed.
Looking back, I would like to highlight five amazing black women from the past that have paved a path for me to become whatever I want to be in the future. Like Madam C J. Walker, I would like to become a black millionaire to influence other younger black girls to know their worth! Like Rosa Parks, if you don't stand up for what's right then it will get you nowhere! Like Harriet Tubman, if you don't lead the way it won't be a path. Like Wilma Rudolph, push through obstacles in your way, let yourself shine, and stand out from others. Lastly Rebecca Crumpler, she helped colored children and adults have the care they needed because white doctors denied them service. I can't believe the struggles she had to go through. I want to thank Ms. Crumpler for paving the way so I could become a doctor just like her one day.
In conclusion, Black History has had a lot of great people paving the way like the people I listed, and a lot more people to talk about, their importance to us, and their bravery is priceless. As it is black history month I would like to honor the people who made it easier for our communities to thrive. I want all young girls to know that the sky's the limit!
Draya Spencer
Girls With Pearls
Understanding the past is super important because it changes things for us today and even in the future. Like, take Rosa Parks, for example. She didn't move to the back of the bus when she was supposed to, and that was a big deal. Back then, in a time called segregation, Black people and white people had to be apart in a lot of places, even on buses. Black people had to sit at the back, and only white people could sit at the front. This was the rule in the early to mid-1900s.
Rosa Parks was fighting for what was right when she didn't stand up for a white person on the bus. Because of what she did, I, as a Black girl, can sit anywhere I want on a bus today. Rosa Parks was standing up (well, actually sitting down) for everyone's rights, and because of her, things got better for all of us who came after. I'm really thankful for her!
Final Thoughts
Thank you for taking the time to read my "Shaping a brighter future for the Black community" blog. I hope you found the information valuable and that it brought you insights or solutions.. If you have any questions or thoughts, feel free to share them in the comments. Happy reading and until next time!"
Please review links below for recommended Black History Netflix movies.
Stamped From The Beginning:
Becoming-Michelle Obama
Self Made
Let's stay connected.

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