Thread by @KevinRobertsTX

1/9 The outcry over Florida's African American History standards is absurd. That happens to be my academic field as a historian; I use to write extensively—including curriculum standards—on the topic. So I took some time to review Florida’s. The bottom line: they are excellent.

2/9 In my experience as a historian of African American history, Florida's standards actually are a model for other states. They are comprehensive in topics covered, do not shy away from difficult topics, and—as history should—use examples of heroic people who fought oppression.

3/9 For example, FL's standards state: "Instructional materials shall include the vital contributions of African Americans to build & strengthen American society and celebrate the inspirational stories of African Americans who prospered, even in the most difficult circumstances."

4/9 The controversial section—"Instruction includes how slaves developed skills, which, in some instances, could be applied for their personal benefit"—is wholly accurate. Some slaves, in some circumstances, were able to earn money that some even used to purchase their freedom.

5/9 In no way does mentioning that "personal benefit" for some slaves, in some instances, amount to defending slavery or making slavery sound better--rather, it shows the amazing, heroic perseverance of enslaved people amid an evil system.

6/9 The author of the standards, African American historian Dr. William B. Allen--former chairman of the U.S. Commission of Ciivl Rights--said as much in an interview with NPR's Steve Inskeep, who himself acknowledged that Allen was "correct."

npr.org/2023/07/27/119…

7/9 Dr. Allen, in response to criticism about the "personal benefit" phrase: "When I look at that language, I see what Booker T. Washington meant when he entitled his autobiography "Up From Slavery" rather than "Down In Slavery."

8/9 Dr. Allen continued: "I see what Douglass meant when he described his slave mistress teaching him to read only at the beginning because his owner put a stop to it. But that small glimmer of light was enough to inspire him to turn it into a burning flame of illumination..."

9/9 This controversy about FL's history standards has nothing to do with history, which is accurately & beautifully captured. Rather, it's all about politics and trying to knee-cap one of conservatism's leaders. God bless @GovRonDeSantis for his courage amid this ridiculous fire.