THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NEW YORK

OFFICE OF DANIEL DROMM

37-32 75TH STREET

JACKSON HEIGHTS, NY 11372

(718) 803-6373

FOR PLANNING PURPOSES ONLY

Contact: Josey Bartlett, (503) 515-4550, Jbartlett@council.nyc.gov

CM Dromm opposes Flushing school’s ban on Malcolm X reports

“I am very upset that any student should be stopped from writing a report about Malcolm X or any other figure so essential to the history of civil rights,” said Council Member Daniel Dromm (D-Jackson Heights, Elmhurst).  “This sort of needless academic censorship is reminiscent of what happened in 2012 when Kameron Slade tried to deliver a speech on marriage equality at P.S. 195 in Queens.  Rather than quashing students’ intellectual curiosity, we need to encourage them to explore and learn from our country’s complex and fascinating history.”

THIS IS DEFINITELY SHOCKING, BUT THE QUESTION IS WHAT ARE GOING TO DO?

As you can see there is still a segment of our population that does not understand the history, mission and journey of Malcolm X.  This only proves why Black History Month is so important, because if our teachers are not aware of who Malcolm is, how do we expect our children?  This is a perfect example as to why we need to upgrade the books and curriculum in our schools so that students and teachers have a better understanding of Black and Latino leaders and history.

It is our hope that this situation will serve as a platform to change the way Black History is taught in our Public School system.  It is not enough to just apologize and keep it moving because we are sure that there are a lot of other teachers that are clueless about Malcolm X and other controversial Black Leaders; and it’s time that we create a vehicle to help them better teach our children and it starts with knowing Black History.

It’s time to have a Citywide Town Hall Meeting to discuss what is being taught in our schools.  It’s our hope that our elected officials, especially those at city council, can lead the charge.  We have heard a lot of talk over the last 25 years, but who is truly ready to change the system?

If you would like to attend or help organize and/or sponsor a Town Hall Meeting in your borough on the quality of eduction being taught to our children regarding Black and Latin History hit us up at: randykfisher@gmail.com.

Posted by Charles Fisher and Randy Fisher (Twitter @HHSYC)