Madison, WI –Today, Representative Shelia Stubbs and Senator Dora Drake, along with members of the African American/Jewish Friendship Group, introduced LRB-3107/1 and LRB-6250/1, which would require instruction on African American history in grades kindergarten through 12. Representative Shelia Stubbs (D-Madison) released the following statement:
“Today, I had the honor of introducing the African American History Education Act with Senator Dora Drake and members of the African American/Jewish Friendship Group. This bill would require that students across our state receive developmentally appropriate instruction on the history, experiences, and contributions of African American in the United States at every grade level.
In 2018, I became the first African American ever elected to the Wisconsin State Legislature. I broke, I shattered, and I shifted 170 years of history. I am present history.
In the words of actress, author, and Black history advocate Karyn Parsons, ‘Black history isn’t a separate history. This is all of our history, this is American history, and we need to understand that.’
African Americans have lived in Wisconsin for over 300 years, long before we officially became a state. Our ancestors, our heritage, and our culture have shaped the development of our state and our nation in so many ways. Unfortunately, the history lessons that are taught to our children in the course of their education do not always reflect this fact.
Enacting the African American History Education Act will not only make our children better-informed, more well-rounded scholars of history. It will help them develop empathy and appreciation for perspectives and lived experiences that may not be their own. For our African American children, this legislation will affirm their culture and identity, while giving them role models that look like them.
I dream of a Wisconsin where every student learns to be just and courageous like Vel Phillips, the first African American woman to graduate from the University of Wisconsin – Madison Law School, the first woman elected to the Milwaukee Common Council, and the first African American and woman to be elected Wisconsin Secretary of State.
I dream of a Wisconsin where every pupil learns to stand firm and advocate for their civil rights like Ezekiel Gillespie, who won the right for African Americans to vote in our state.
I dream of a Wisconsin where every scholar learns to follow their dreams and pursue excellence in their field like Hank Aaron, the legendary baseball player who broke Babe Ruth’s longstanding home run record.
I dream of Wisconsin where African American history is not just taught during Black History Month, but becomes woven into our history curricula throughout the year.
Specifically, this bill would require the State Superintendent of Public Instruction to develop a model curriculum for all grades, from kindergarten to 12, on African American history in collaboration with the African American/Jewish Friendship Group, Inc., the Wisconsin Black Historical Society and Museum, Inc., America’s Black Holocaust Museum, and the University of Wisconsin System. By actively working with community partners who have extensive background in the study and teaching of African American history, we will ensure that the information being shared with students is thorough, accurate, and culturally sensitive.
The bill also creates an appropriation of $384,900 to provide the Department of Public Instruction with 3 additional full time consultant positions. These consultants will assist school boards, charter school operators, and governing bodies of private schools to update their curricula and provide instruction on African American history.
As a legislator who values Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, I am honored to bring forth this legislation and help build a Wisconsin where African American history is taught, understood, and celebrated.
In the words of the late civil rights activist and poet Dr. Maya Angelou, ‘Won’t it be wonderful when Black history and Native American history and Jewish history is taught from one book. Just U.S. history.’”
