From Ending Stereotypes for America.
Press Release:
STUDIES SHOULD MORE ACCURATELY REFLECT HISTORY
State lawmakers yesterday introduced legislation that will require schools to focus on the advanced civilizations of Africa instead of the most primitive Africans who did not represent the continent.
The bills have been introduced by Rep. Brenda Clack (D-Flint) and Rep. Mike Nofs (R-Battle Creek).
Nofs, who serves on the Advisory Board of the non-profit Ending Stereotypes for America, explained that it's important for world history instruction to accurately portray ancient civilizations.
"The history of Sub-Sahara Africa has been grossly distorted for too long," Nofs said. "This has helped to foster false stereotypes that can lead to discrimination, violence, and a dangerous ignorance about Africa that could have national security implications."
As any world historian will tell you, Clack noted, ancient and medieval Sub-Sahara Africa had many kingdoms with castles, currency, complex systems of government, bustling urban centers, writing, advanced metal working techniques and long distance trade with North Africa, the Mideast, Europe and Asia. Ancient and medieval writers often praised those kingdoms for their prosperity, stability, and military power.
Charles M. Six, president of Ending Stereotypes for America, which has been promoting the bills, noted that probably less than 1% of Africa's population historically has been hunters and gatherers, yet those are the Africans schools often focus on. He explained that hunters and gatherers were actually looked down upon by the large and advanced kingdoms. "To pretend that those small groups, who lived on the periphery of kingdoms, represented the continent is simply misleading and bad history. It's sad, but we only do that with Africa."
Rep. Brenda Clack agreed. "It's critical that we teach the correct history of Africa. It often hasn't been done, but needs to start."
A recent University of Chicago poll found that 53% of white Americans believe that black people are less intelligent than white people. Six believes that is caused by the false image of Africa. "When I ask why they believe black people are less intelligent the answer is usually the same: look at Africa, it was nothing but hunters and gatherers until Europeans lifted them up."
"It's also an economic and national security issue," said Nofs, who is the former chair of Veterans Affairs and Homeland Security. "With the emerging marketplaces in Africa, the proliferation of extremism across the continent and the fact that our state and nation are becoming more diverse every day, it is important for our young people to become better educated about other cultures and the world around them. Moreover, if our best talent is not being utilized because of false stereotypes, our economy won't be as strong, thus America won't be as competitive in our global marketplace."
Nofs pointed out that the lack of Arabic speakers in America adds to our national security risk. "Since 9-11 our federal government has been trying to get more young people interested in the Mideast. We can't make the same mistake twice."
"Getting the right African history in the classroom is beneficial in so many ways," Clack reiterated. "It is an economic issue, a security issue, an academic issue and a civil rights issue. This may be the next chapter of the civil rights movement in America."
"This movement is going to sweep across our nation," Six predicted. "It will finally bring our country to the ideals it was founded on and has been striving towards for so long. Imagine our nation where every single American is judged as an individual and never by the color of their skin."
For more information on the advanced kingdoms of Africa visit: Ending Stereotypes.
This is a project that a good friend of mine has been working very hard on for a very long time. This press release is huge as the project gains momentum with the introduction of the bills. Check out the website and if you'd like to get involved contact Charles M. Six.