The exclusion of Black history in the curriculum diminishes the numerous contributions of African Americans throughout the past and present. School curriculums often influence students to believe at a young age that Black people did not contribute much to the world outside of the civil rights movement and slavery. However, this narrative is far from the truth. The initial education system was built to uphold the ideology of white supremacy. The current education system still resembles the past system that allowed unjust notions of racial superiority to persist. The inclusion of Black history in school curriculums would assist in dismantling systemic racism in America. School curriculums typically focus solely on white history with little or no references to African American contributions. I believe we should push for the curriculum to include more Black leaders and contributions not only in American History but also in European History.

From elementary school to high school, I can not recall many instances where Black historical figures were referenced in my history classes. Yet, there are many notable Black people who typically do not get the deserved acknowledgement in history classes. Richard Allen, Robert Abbott, Benjamin Davis Sr., Katherine Johnson, Matthew Henson, and Charlotte E. Ray are a few of the numerous Black historical figures in American History. Olaudah Equiano, Queen Charlotte, Chevalier de Saint-Georges, and Allan Glaisyer Minns are just a few of the many Black historical figures who notably impacted European History. I have only touched the surface of the vast amount of Black excellence within history that school curriculums do not include nor teach.

The education system is one of the many tools that America can use to build a future where racial injustice is not tolerated. People must be accurately informed of the history and contributions of Black people around the world. The lack of Black representation in the curriculum is an issue we must address and push to be reformed to change the narrative in America because Black history matters.

https://becomingblackexcellence.com/black-history-matters/