In the pursuit of an informed and equitable education, we must critically examine the narratives we present to our children, especially concerning the painful history of African Americans. Dr. William B. Allen, an adviser to the Florida Board of Education, has found himself at the center of controversy for his endorsement of Florida’s new African American curriculum, which many argue whitewashes history and perpetuates division within the black community. By dismissing Vice President Kamala Harris as a liar for expressing legitimate concerns about the curriculum, Dr. Allen has reduced a complex conversation to a mere political ploy. As a reputed expert on the founding fathers, including slave owner James Madison, Dr. Allen should recognize the dangers of passing off history in a diluted form. The prevailing wisdom dictates that it is intellectually corrupt to continue with a curriculum that ignores critical events such as the Ocoee Massacre, Rosewood, and countless lynchings in Florida. We must stand against this distortion and advocate for a more honest, comprehensive, and inclusive education.

Dr. Allen vehemently denies that the curriculum ever claimed slavery was beneficial to Africans, asserting instead that it emphasizes the development of skills and aptitudes among enslaved individuals that supposedly served their benefit during and after enslavement. However, this perspective raises significant concerns about the lens through which history is presented. By focusing on potential benefits of enslavement, the curriculum conveniently overlooks the unimaginable suffering, violence, and degradation experienced by the vast majority of enslaved individuals.

To imply that enslaved people benefited from their captivity is to diminish the horrors of slavery and dismiss the indomitable spirit and resistance of those who fought for freedom. It is essential to acknowledge that any perceived “benefit” among enslaved individuals was a mere coping mechanism and survival strategy in the face of insurmountable adversity. To present this perspective as a justification for slavery is not only misguided but also morally reprehensible.

Furthermore, the curriculum’s coverage of black history appears selective and sanitized, glossing over crucial events such as the Ocoee Massacre and the Rosewood massacre, where black communities faced brutal violence and destruction. These tragic events are vital components of Florida’s history, and their omission denies students the opportunity to understand the struggles and resilience of African Americans in their state.

Similarly, the historical prevalence of lynching, a cruel and racist practice that claimed the lives of countless innocent black individuals across the United States, is conspicuously absent from the curriculum. Florida itself has a dark history of lynching, yet without comprehensive education, future generations may remain unaware of the deep scars this violence left on the black community.

The failure to address the violent enforcement of the Black Codes and Jim Crow Laws is also deeply disingenuous. These discriminatory laws not only denied black individuals their rights but also led to widespread violence and terror within black communities. To dismiss instances of violence committed by black individuals without acknowledging the context of self-defense against centuries of oppression and brutality is to perpetuate a false and skewed narrative.

The curriculum’s selective portrayal of history is emblematic of a broader issue—how black individuals are often pitted against one another in the public discourse. Instead of fostering unity and understanding, the curriculum has become a battleground for political agendas, leaving the authentic history of African Americans buried under a veneer of distortion.

As an opinion, it is clear that Dr. Allen is being used as a tool for a conservative machine, lending credibility to a curriculum that sanitizes the past. It is concerning that a learned individual, with expertise in the founding fathers, would lend his support to such a diluted portrayal of history. This misguided approach hinders the development of critical thinking and empathy, qualities that an effective education should foster.

Moreover, the consequences of this whitewashing extend far beyond the classroom. There is a disconcerting nostalgia in the air, reminiscent of the infamous film “Birth of a Nation,” which glorified the Ku Klux Klan and perpetuated harmful stereotypes. With hate groups and domestic terrorists freely roaming the country, it is essential to confront the truth of history and address the systemic issues that persist to this day.

Florida’s children deserve an education that reflects the depth and complexity of their state’s history—a history that includes both triumphs and tragedies. By acknowledging the atrocities committed against African Americans, we can begin to heal and bridge the divides that persist in our society.

It is imperative that we advocate for a more inclusive and truthful education. Florida’s children deserve to learn about the full spectrum of their state’s history, including its darkest chapters. We must not shy away from acknowledging the past injustices faced by African Americans, as doing so would rob future generations of the opportunity to confront the legacy of racism and strive for a more equitable and just society.

We cannot let the integrity of our educational system be compromised by political agendas or nostalgia for a past riddled with injustice. It is time to embrace the uncomfortable truths of our history and ensure that future generations are equipped with the knowledge and understanding necessary to create a more compassionate and empathetic society.

As we move forward, we must demand transparency, intellectual integrity, and inclusivity in our curriculum. The erasure of history serves no one but those seeking to maintain an unjust status quo. Let us stand united in our pursuit of truth, justice, and a more equitable education for all.