Did you ever learn about Black Wall Street and the Tulsa, Oklahoma Massacre? I know I did not. It was not until I was an adult. Did you learn about the Rosewood, Florida Massacre in school? I didn’t, but I know about it because of my dad. He told me what happened to Black people in Rosewood, and we watched a movie based on what happened.
Both of these incidents include Black trauma. Despite this, my father wanted me to know about Rosewood and other events. Not so much about the trauma, but more so about the achievements. He wanted me to know that Black excellence has existed throughout time. He wanted me to know that even though evil and racism interrupted progress, that these achievements are possible. If it was possible back then, I can experience this today.
Guess what? All children deserve to know their history and what is possible.
This is not a push to ban white people from the curriculum or shame white people. Recently, the assertion of including more diversity has led to some people, white and non-white, claiming inclusion of culturally responsive curriculum and demanding equity in diverse groups being covered is really a ploy to make white people feel guilty or shamed.
Telling the truth can hurt, and it can make students feel sad but [pullquote]avoiding topics because someone may feel sad or believe they are being shamed also takes away the triumphs.[/pullquote] We need to know about Black Wall Street before the massacre, and students need to know about the massacre. Students should learn about these events at school and not only at home.
People should not now be becoming aware of the massacre because 2021 is the 100th year anniversary or because Viola Fletcher, a 107 year old survivor of the massacre testified before Congress this month.
Before any changes can occur, teachers need to get informed. Change doesn’t happen overnight. It can be slow work. Being intentional about making one or two additions to a curriculum each year after thoroughly learning about a topic and then creating meaningful activities where students can learn academic standards and skills is worth it. Students will be more invested. More investment should lead to more learning.
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An original version of this piece ran on IndyK12.