A new initiative by Friendship Missionary Baptist Church is part of a growing movement among over 200 predominantly Black churches in Florida to educate their congregations on Black history. They are taking this step due to concerns about the restricted and “watered-down” versions of Black history taught in schools under the state’s new policies.
A New Toolkit
These churches are utilizing a newly developed Black history toolkit created by Faith in Florida, a coalition of churches advocating for social justice causes.
This was created in July to counteract state efforts to regulate Black history lessons.
What’s in the Toolkit
The toolkit comprises books, documentaries, and videos related to Black history, providing valuable resources for pastors and educators. Its goal is to ensure that Black history is taught in an unfiltered manner and to prevent its erasure.
Not Just Florida
Florida is among several states where conservative lawmakers have been pushing to restrict certain aspects of Black history education.
Historical Role of Black Churches
Historically, Black churches have attempted to fill the gap in public education surrounding their communities. These churches hope to provide unfiltered Black history education and address the shortcomings of public institutions.
Governor DeSantis’s Role
Governor Ron DeSantis has been a key figure in Florida’s efforts to regulate how certain topics, including race, are taught in schools and colleges.
He has signed legislation restricting state funds for diversity and inclusion programs at public universities. DeSantis has also banned the College Board’s Advanced Placement African American Studies course.
History is History
On the issue, Pastor Johnson said, “I find it kind of disrespectful and even condescending to have our governor or anyone tell us what we’re allowed to learn… History is history.”
The Faith Leaders’ Approach
Pastors like Rev. Gaston Smith and Tony F. Drayton use the toolkit to guide their lesson plans, covering topics such as the trans-Atlantic slave trade and the Civil Rights Movement.
Comprehensive Teachings
These Pastors want to ensure that Black history is taught comprehensively and accurately, even in the face of state restrictions. These faith leaders view their churches as a vital platform for imparting this knowledge to their congregations.
Expanding Outreach
While teaching Black history is a primary focus within their churches, these pastors also expand their reach through virtual services and other platforms to ensure that the wider community benefits from these lessons.
They believe that, despite state restrictions, they are responsible for educating their communities on their history.
The Toolkit’s Accessibility
The Black History toolkit is designed to be accessible to all, regardless of prior knowledge. It covers topics chronologically and includes resources related to criminal justice and Black women’s leadership.
It is intended as a guide rather than a strict curriculum and will continue to be updated.
A Wider Issue
Faith in Florida’s toolkit has garnered interest beyond the state’s borders. Faith leaders from predominantly white churches and other states, including Alabama, Georgia, and Virginia, have expressed interest in adopting similar educational tools.
Public Response
In response to this issue, many people seem to be siding with the churches and against DeSantis, with one social media user commenting, “Teach true history. Period.”
Finding True History
Another user pointed out, “It’s increasingly harder and harder to find anybody willing to teach the TRUE history of anything, without their own self-serving slant in it.”
The Hidden Truth
A third user simply commented, “When someone tries to hide or water down history, they are trying to hide the cold hard nasty truth.”
Trump Cannot Run for President According to New Study – Here Are the Reasons For His Disqualification
A new study analyzes whether Donald Trump has the right to run for president for the second time. Here’s the full story. Trump Cannot Run for President According to New Study – Here Are the Reasons For His Disqualification
Raise Retirement Age, Demands Nikki Haley – Try Telling That to Those Who Have Paid In, Say the Critics
Republican presidential candidate, Nikki Haley, says the retirement age in America needs to be raised in order to get control of the country’s debt. Here’s the full story. Raise Retirement Age, Demands Nikki Haley – Try Telling That to Those Who Have Paid In, Say the Critics
Not Again! President Biden’s Verbal Gaffe Sparks Laughter and Criticism as Opponents Continue to Question His Ability in Office
During a speech about NATO in Lithuania, President Joe Biden stumbled over his words, causing a brief moment of laughter and drawing criticism from many. Here’s what happened. Not Again! President Biden’s Verbal Gaffe Sparks Laughter and Criticism as Opponents Continue to Question His Ability in Office
Russia’s Former General Dies in Unexpected Plane Crash and Ukraine Gains Momentum on Regaining Control
After Russia continues its 16-month-long invasion of Ukraine, a surge of political upheaval has unfolded in Moscow, coinciding with Kyiv’s efforts to regain control of its territories. Russia’s Former General Dies in Unexpected Plane Crash and Ukraine Gains Momentum on Regaining Control
Record-Breaking Migrant Numbers, Yet White House Insists Biden Has “Done More Than Anybody” to Secure the Southern Border – Critics Aren’t Holding Back
The number of illegal immigrants crossing the United States at the southern border is higher than ever. Despite the record-breaking numbers, Biden’s press secretary said he has done more than anyone else to secure the country’s borders. Here’s the full story. Record-Breaking Migrant Numbers, Yet White House Insists Biden Has “Done More Than Anybody” to Secure the Southern Border – Critics Aren’t Holding Back
The post Black Churches Defy Florida’s School Restrictions by Teaching Unfiltered Black History – “History Is History” After All first appeared on Wealthy Living.
Featured Image Credit: Shutterstock / BearFotos. The people shown in the images are for illustrative purposes only, not the actual people featured in the story.
Source: MSN