Senator Drake and Representative Stubbs to Reintroduce the African American History Education Act
MADISON – Today Wisconsin Senator Dora Drake and Representative Shelia Stubbs announced the reintroduction of the African American History Education Act. This legislation’s reintroduction coincides with the federal government’s recent decision to remove significant moments in American history that highlight the contributions and impact of African Americans from its national parks and government websites for the past year. This legislation would require a comprehensive education of African-American History in all K-12 schools within the state of Wisconsin.
“When I was a Vista Volunteer, I had the privilege of mentoring a young African American teen. The experience broadened my awareness of the resilience and contributions made by African Americans in our country but my own school education inadequately acknowledged or recognized its vitality. I realized that students of all backgrounds would be proud of the progress made in American society if they were exposed to a more comprehensive and accurate history of America.” – Gerald Sternberg of the African American & Jewish Friendship Group said.
Representative Shelia Stubbs shared “In 2018, I became the first African American ever elected to the Wisconsin State Legislature. I broke, I shattered, and I shifted 170 years of history. I am present in history. African Americans have lived in Wisconsin for over 300 years, long before we officially became a state. Our ancestors, our heritage, and our culture have shaped the development of our state and our nation in so many ways. Unfortunately, the history lessons that are taught to our children in the course of their education do not always reflect this fact. Enacting the African American History Education Act will not only make our children better-informed, more well-rounded scholars of history. It will help them develop empathy and appreciation for perspectives and lived experiences that may not be their own. For our African American children, this legislation will affirm their culture and identity, while giving them role models that look like them.”
“African American History is not a separate narrative but an integral thread woven into the fabric of our nation’s story. A full understanding of American history requires that students see the struggles, triumphs, and lasting impacts African Americans have had on our communities and nation. Our resilience, innovation, and leadership should not be limited to brief glances of the impacts of slavery and Martin Luther King’s, “I Have a Dream” speech. Our stories deserve more than a cursory glance during Black History Month and should be treated as a core foundation of the American story.” Senator Dora Drake said.
NOTE: This press release was submitted to Urban Milwaukee and was not written by an Urban Milwaukee writer. While it is believed to be reliable, Urban Milwaukee does not guarantee its accuracy or completeness.
Mentioned in This Press Release
Recent Press Releases by State Sen. Dora Drake
