A4E Statement on African-American History inWinston-Salem Forsyth County Schools (WSFCS) and ( North Carolina)

Action4Equity supports the current WSFCS schools K-12 African-American infusion model that enhances the social studies curriculum for all students. It is a comprehensive approach that teaches the history, culture, achievements, and contributions of Africans and African-Americans to national and world civilization. It also provides a historically-appropriate and multiculturally-authentic scope and sequence for teaching about the African-American experience using a historical trajectory that begins in West Africa. The infusion model is embedded with concepts that provide a study of those early West African civilizations, prior to contact with Asian and European invaders. The infusion model is currently optional for public schools in Forsyth County; we believe it needs to be made mandatory for all schools.

While the organization recognizes the desire of members of the community for a mandatory class in African-American history as a graduation requirement at the high school level, we are clear that such an approach to teaching African-American history – absent of the K-12 infusion model – falls short of building a critical background and knowledge base for students. A K-12 understanding of African-American history is required for success and matriculation through a high-stakes course which has a graduation requirement attached. African and African-American history is vast and dense, and we would like students to have as full and complete understanding of the depth and breadth of the history as possible.

Action4Equity seeks to advocate for equity for students in Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools in academic achievement, access to high-quality instruction, and safe and healthy school environments.