Episode 2: Teaching Black History at RVSD
Teaching Black History is under a rising number of attacks across the country. Bans on school books illustrating Black Americans' past and present experiences, struggles, and achievements are one type of attempt to remove Black History from American History by silencing Black Americans’ voices and erasing their contributions. Removing diverse historical narratives from school libraries and classrooms denies students the ability to build a comprehensive and accurate understanding of their country’s past and present. It undermines their future capabilities to work toward a fair American society.
In this national context, we wanted to learn from RVSD’s administrative team about teaching Black history in our schools, the curriculum and the educational resources provided to teach Black history, and how the school board supports the RVSD's vision and initiatives regarding teaching Black history. Listen to our second podcast to hear the answers from Marci Trahan, RVSD superintendent, Julia Wolcott, Director of Curriculum and education, and Kristi Fish, Hidden Valley Elementary principal. You can hear the opening remark regarding Black History Month introduced by Shelley Hamilton, President of the school board, at the February 8th board meeting. ( starts at min 7:01)
Contact information
Marci Trahan, RVSD Superintendent :
Julia Wolcott, Director of the Curriculum and Instruction: jwolcott@rossvalleyschools.org
Kristi Fish, Hidden Valley Elementary Principal:
Further readings about Teaching Black history and books ban:
Two reviews of the Miseducation of the Negro by Dr. Woodson.
FYI: Remember Sulwe by Lupita Nyong’o and Vashti Harrison, from our last issue? This title and 317 other picture books belong to the PEN’s list of The Most Banned Picture Books of the 2021-2022 School Year.