Senator Jesse Hamilton (D-Central Brooklyn) today kicked off legislation he is intoducing with Assemblywoman Diana Richardson (D-Crown Heights, Lefferts Gardens) requiring the Board of Regents to incorporate black history in city schools K-12 curriculuum with a YouTube video clip on the subject.
“Black history’s importance extends far beyond a single month, and New Yorkers have made profound contributions that need to be taught in our schools. From the women abolitionists, who broke barriers in advocacy and helped end slavery, to the Harlem Renaissance, whose literary and artistic dynamism we benefit from even today, to the pioneering achievements of Shirley Chisholm, who paved a path for future public servants of color, men and women alike,” said Hamilton in the video.
“The significance and humanity of the African Disapora is often treated with blatant indifference, but through the implementation of this history into the curriculum of our schools, the undeniable contributions women and men of color have made towards society, can help strengthen understanding and awareness,” said Richardson.
A crossroads for the world, New York’s black history intersects with experiences of the Afro-Caribbean community, the Afro-Latino community, and the entire African diaspora. Under the provisions of this proposal, the Board of Regents will be responsible for determining how black history is incorporated.
The lawmakers, together with advocates and educators supporting the measure will hole a press conference on the issue at 2 p.m., tomorrow, May 11 at the Weeksville Heritage Center, 158 Buffalo Avenue in Crown Heights.
For now, check out the YouTube video:
