*THE TEACHING OF AFRICAN AMERICAN HISTORY IS UNDER ATTACK!
*JUNETEENTH - FREDERICKSBURG NATIONAL STADIUM - ON JUNE 17!
*BRANCH WILL HOST A TOWN HALL/COMMUNITY CONVERSATION ON JULY 8!
*ALL STATE SENATE AND HOUSE SEATS ARE UP FOR ELLECTION THIS YEAR!
Black History Under Attack Nationwide! While it has always been an uphill battle to make sure African American history is fully and accurately taught in our nation’s K-12 public schools, lately there has been a coordinated state-by-state effort underway, from coast to coast, primarily led by Republican-controlled legislatures and governors, to erase or water down the stories and accomplishments of Black people from public school curriculums.
Conservative political leaders in these states, which includes Virginia, have used the university-level concept of “Critical Race Theory” as an excuse to attack the teaching of what they consider to be “divisive” topics or “blaming” certain races of people for societal issues that persist in the United States. Even in states that have not passed laws that affect how Black history is taught in schools, if at all, it has emboldened local school boards and some parents to target teachers and administrators if they even mention certain people, events, or concepts related to African American History in the classroom. It has even led to books being banned from both school and public libraries in some places, including Spotsylvania County.
If Black children are required to sit through history lessons about Christopher Columbus and others, why shouldn’t all students learn about the great contributions African Americans has made to building America.
That is why Black people, other people of color, and allies must all raise our voices to support candidates at both the state and local levels, who openly support passing laws that require teaching the complete and accurate history of African Americans in public schools. We must also show up in force at state houses and school board meetings to insist that those legislatures who have already passed anti-Black History laws, repeal them immediately.
This is a national emergency, and requires us to meet the moment with even greater intensity, if we are to avoid seeing the stories, contributions and accomplishments of Black people completely erased from our nation’s history.
*This Year’s Juneteenth Celebration Will be Held at Fredericksburg Nationals Stadium on Sat., Jun. 17 at 3 p.m.! Bring the family for a day of education, celebration, and music. Also, a $1000 scholarship will be given to the Juneteenth King & Queen. FREE Admission!
*Branch Will Host a Community Conversation on July 8, from 10am to 12:00 p.m. The forum will provide information and offer opportunities to share comments and recommendations on the status of the minority community in Spotsylvania.
*This is an Election Year for the County and State! Four School Board and Board of Supervisors seats are open this year. Also, the Sheriff and other constitutional officers. The branch encourages all citizens to verify their voting status and precent locations, due to the redrawing of some districts.
BRANCH MEETINGS HELD:
1st Thursday of each month at 7:00 p.m.
Mt. Zion Baptist Church
6030 Harrison Road
Fredericksburg, VA 22407