TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Hidden beneath Florida’s picturesque golf courses and extensive suburbs lie remnants of the state’s slave-holding history: forgotten cemeteries of enslaved individuals, standing statues of Confederate soldiers, and former plantations repurposed into residential developments bearing historical names. Unfortunately, many students in Florida are not receiving this vital aspect of Black history in their classrooms.
In Delray Beach, local educator Charlene Farrington and her team host Saturday workshops for teenagers, aiming to fill the gap left by public education. These sessions cover South Florida’s Caribbean heritage, the troubling history of lynchings, the ongoing effects of segregation, and the grassroots efforts that fueled the Civil Rights Movement.
“You need to know how it happened before so you can decide how you want it to happen again,” Farrington emphasizes during her lessons, with historical photographs illuminating the classroom walls.
Across Florida, students are sacrificing their Saturday mornings to engage in African American history programs at community centers, such as the Spady Cultural Heritage Museum. Many of these initiatives are backed by Black churches, which have been pivotal in shaping cultural and political identities within their communities.
In the past year, over 400 congregations have committed to utilizing a new Black history toolkit created by local advocacy organizations.
Although Florida has mandated the teaching of African American history in public schools for the past 30 years, trust in the education system has waned among families, with only a dozen school districts demonstrating a consistent and effective approach to the subject throughout the academic year.
District officials maintain that they comply with state standards to cover topics like enslavement, abolition, and the contributions of African Americans to society. However, many students and parents express frustration over a curriculum that predominantly honors historical figures like Martin Luther King Jr. and Rosa Parks, often neglecting a more comprehensive exploration of Black history outside the confines of Black History Month.
Renee O’Connor, an educator who previously took a sabbatical due to restrictions in teaching Black history, reiterates the need for a dedicated African American history curriculum accessible to all students.
Representatives from the Florida Department of Education did not respond to inquiries regarding the state’s Black history initiatives. Observers note a critical need for self-motivated educational efforts to advance the understanding of African diaspora history, emphasizing the importance of community-led initiatives to preserve and pass on this significant legacy.
State data reveals that only 30 of Florida’s 67 traditional school districts offer standalone courses in African American history, a stark contrast to the educational offerings available in larger urban districts compared to smaller rural areas.
Community members and educators alike are stepping up to ensure that the stories and contributions of African Americans are not overlooked in the current climate of educational restrictions, advocating for a more inclusive approach to historical education across the state.