New York City public schools to start new black studies classes in the fall

Public schools in New York City will see a new black studies curriculum in the fall as part of the city’s Education Equity Action Plan.

The coursework, which will span pre-kindergarten through 12th grade, will focus on knowledge of early African civilizations, modern Africa, black American history, the “African diaspora,” and the purported ongoing presence of racial inequality in society. It will also go over the experience of black people in the Americas from the 17th century to present day and black history in New York state and New York City.

“Building a more equitable society begins with education,” Thomas Bailey, president of Teachers College at Columbia University said, according to Staten Island Advance. “The launch of the new Black Studies curriculum, developed by TC’s Black Education Research Center, is a crucial step in this effort. This initiative builds on Teachers College’s long history of adapting teaching methods and curricula to meet the needs of all students in inclusive and supportive educational environments.”

The new curriculum is the product of a collaboration among the city’s Department of Education, the City Council, and the Education Equity Action Plan, and it was created by the Columbia Teachers College’s Black Education Research Center. It is called “Black Studies as the Study of the World: A PK-12 Black Studies Curriculum for New York City Public Schools.”

The curriculum has already been in some schools, as it was taught under a pilot program last year in 120 schools throughout 18 city school districts, making up roughly 6,500 students with access. The program will be available to all schools starting in September.

“Every student should see their identity and history in their education. I am delighted to witness the culmination of this significant initiative in our schools,” city schools Chancellor David C. Banks said. “The Black Studies Curriculum’s comprehensive and integrated approach will deepen our students’ awareness of themselves and their communities. By incorporating pivotal narratives and voices into our arts, English, and history classes, we will enrich their educational experience and understanding of the world around them.”

The Black Education Research Center describes the curriculum as interdisciplinary and “culturally affirming” and is intending for the curriculum to be a model for school districts across the country to implement black studies into their curriculums.

New York City already has a black studies curriculum called “Hidden Voices: Stories of the Global African Diaspora” that was launched in February.

School districts in other parts of the country have gone down a similar path. Recently, Georgia found itself in controversy after initially denying funding for a black studies Advanced Placement course last week, but ultimately reversed its decision and granted funding within days.

The reversal came after a backlash in Georgia when advocates of the black studies courses claimed leaders in the state were attempting to suppress black history. However, states such as Florida and Arkansas have restricted similar courses, as many are written using a critical race theory lens.