Reviving Black History Education: The Rise of Freedom Schools in Response to Censorship

The Rise of Freedom Schools: How Black History Education Fights Back Against Censorship

In a classroom filled with predominantly Black students, the call and response echoed loudly: “Black people invented it.” This powerful affirmation came during a lesson led by Renee Scott Best, where students learned about the countless inventions and innovations created by African Americans. From folding beds to air conditioners, the students shouted out the impact of Black inventors on everyday life.

This educational initiative is part of a larger movement launched by the Association for the Study of African American Life and History (ASALH) in response to what critics call an assault on Black history in Florida public schools. Governor Ron DeSantis’s policies, including the Stop Woke Act, have restricted the teaching of structural racism and banned advanced-placement African American history courses.

Despite state requirements to teach African American history, many districts lack comprehensive plans. The fear of repercussions for teaching truthful history has created a culture of uncertainty among educators and students alike. In response, freedom schools like the one led by ASALH have emerged as a vital supplement to traditional education.

These schools, inspired by the original freedom schools of the 1960s, aim to instill Black pride and educate students on the richness of Black history. With a curriculum that includes multimedia resources and primary source documents, students learn about the origins of Africa, the transatlantic slave trade, and the ongoing resistance to white supremacy.

The resurgence of freedom schools in the face of censorship laws has been a beacon of hope for many in the Black community. By providing a space for in-depth education on Black history, these schools serve as a reminder that history cannot be erased or rewritten. As ASALH president W Marvin Dulaney notes, the current challenges have only strengthened their resolve to ensure that African American history is always taught.

For students like Sara King and her father Akil, the freedom schools have been a revelation, filling in gaps in their knowledge and sparking a deeper understanding of their heritage. As the fight for inclusive education continues, these schools stand as a testament to the resilience and determination of those who refuse to let history be silenced.