Black History Can't Be Erased
In recent years, there has been an overwhelming push toward the erasure of African American history — or simply honest American history — from school curricula across the country. Since 2021, 44 states have introduced bills or taken steps toward restricting the teaching of so-called critical race theory (CRT), banning books, and or censoring the ways in which race can be discussed in classrooms. And the threats continue.
As we celebrate Black History Month, Ed Trust asks, what stories are educators allowed to tell students about Black history?
This year, we are focused on taking a stand against the threats waged on schools and educators who dare to teach true American history in classrooms. Our campaign, “Can’t Be Erased” (#CantBeErased) highlights the importance of the work of various banned Black authors and how a continuous move towards repression is ultimately regressive education.
We’ve compiled a list of reading materials and resources that are useful in the fight against the censorship. Take a deeper dive below.