WASHINGTON, D.C. – Black History Month has been recognized by every president since Gerald Ford in 1976. But with the interpretation of that history now under scrutiny in states like Florida, some Black congregations are returning to their roots serving as both the church house and school house.
Female faith leaders tell CBN News they’re on the front lines of instruction, stepping in to fill a need by teaching Black history at churches, right alongside Bible study.
Historian Dr. LaVon Bracy said, “I vividly remember what happened to me when I tried to integrate the public school system. I was spit on. I was called the N-word every day. I was beaten. And those things happened not hundreds of years ago. I’m talking 1965.”
The 75-year-old’s memories of being part of integrating the Alachua County, Florida school system are a painful yet indelible part of her past.
“It’s uncomfortable, but it happened and we need to actually talk about it,” Dr. Bracy said.
Now, she’s once again breaking barriers, teaching African American history inside churches with a growing demand.
That’s in response to Florida’s Board of Education approving new guidelines in 2023 for its kindergarten through twelfth grade Black History Curriculum.
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