*ARE STATES ATTEMPTING TO ERASING BLACK HISTORY?
*CIVIL RIGHTS TRAIL NOW A REALITY I
*BRANCH WILL CONDUCT NEW OFFICERS & MEMBERS TRAINING ON MARCH 11!
*Is Virginia Among States Trying to Erase Black History from School Curriculum? The State of Florida recently rejected the Advanced Placement African American studies course, stating it “significantly lacks educational value”. The College Board removed some of the more controversial elements, to get it approved. Educators and activists accused the College Board of bowing to people who never wanted Black history taught to America’s school children. Now Virginia has joined a new round of states putting the AP African American studies course under “review”, at the request of Republican Gov. Glenn Youngkin. While the administration claims the review is only to ensure the course does not conflict with his previous executive order on teaching certain ways about race, is it really an excuse to stop Black History from being taught in Virginia’s schools altogether? We must remain vigilant and express our disappointment by contacting our legislators to ensure they understand that we will not support them if they fail to block any attempts at distorting or remove black history from the school’s curriculum.
*Fredericksburg Civil Rights Trail Now Open! Black History enthusiasts…take a stroll down the new Fredericksburg Civil Rights Trail. The almost 5-mile walking and driving tour, which runs through downtown Fredericksburg and near the University of Mary Washington, captures the dynamic story of enslaved African Americans in the Rappahannock region courageously navigating the shifting borders as Union and Confederate soldiers fought over the territory during the Civil War and securing their freedom. Visit www.fxbg.com/civil-rights-trail/ for more information.
*Judge Dismissed Charges Against Officer Who Shot Isiah Brown! A judge dismissed felony charges against a Spotsylvania County sheriff’s deputy, related to the 2021 shooting of Isiah Brown that hospitalized the unarmed Black man for weeks with serious injuries. The Brown family has resolved its civil claims against the Sheriff’s office. The shooting resulted in a review of the local policing policies and improvements in community and police relations
*New Officers and Members Training is Set for March 11, at Salem Church Library from 9:30 – 11:30 a.m. The branch will conduct training for all new officers and members who want to learn how the organization function. This training is essential for officers and committee chairpersons. All other members are encouraged to attend. For more information call 540-847-7637
*Spotsylvania School Division Will Host a “Job Fair” on March 4, 2023, from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. The event will take place at the division administration building 8020 River Stone Drive, Fredericksburg, VA 22407. You can also sign for a virtual interview March 6th – 9th. For more information call 540-834-2500.
*Branch Plan to Conduct a Follow-up Meeting to the “Parents Town Hall” Held on February 11. Members of the event committee is presently working with the superintendent to establish a Parent Intervention Group as suggested at the town hall. Stay tune for follow up date.
*Reminder: This is an Election Year for the County and State! 4 Board of Supervisors & School Board seats, the Sheriff and other constitutional officers are up for election. Please ensure you are prepared to vote.