US President Joe Biden has announced the establishment of a new national monument in honor of victims of racist violence. On Tuesday, Biden signed an order for the monument to honor Emmett Till and his mother Mamie Till-Mobley, which will be built at three locations in the states of Illinois and Mississippi.
The story of the black teenager from Chicago gained tragic fame in 1955 after he was kidnapped, tortured, and killed. Following this hate crime committed by white men, many people joined the civil rights movement in the United States.
During his speech at the ceremony, Biden apparently also referred to controversial curriculum plans in Florida, which is governed by conservative Governor Ron DeSantis.
Biden stated that one cannot simply choose to learn only what they want to learn. “We should know about our country. We should know everything: the good, the bad – the truth about who we are as a nation.” Biden did not mention Florida or DeSantis by name.
DeSantis, who is running for the Republican presidential nomination, had previously faced criticism for new standards set by his education department regarding the history of African Americans in the curriculum.
These standards include the “clarifying” statement that slaves in the United States acquired skills that “in some cases could be used to their personal advantage.” This was perceived by many as downplaying the crime of slavery and systemic racism in the United States.
The institution of slavery significantly shaped the United States from the 17th to the 19th century. Millions of men and women from Africa were forced to work, particularly in the southern states, in industries such as agriculture, specifically cotton and tobacco production.
Although slavery was officially abolished in the United States after the Civil War, systemic racism and the disadvantage of Black people persisted and are still felt today.
In what ways can the controversy surrounding the curriculum plans in Florida be viewed as a reflection of the ongoing challenges of addressing the historical crimes of slavery and systemic racism in education
US President Joe Biden announced the creation of a new national monument to honor victims of racist violence. The monument will commemorate Emmett Till and his mother Mamie Till-Mobley and will be located at three sites in Illinois and Mississippi. Emmett Till, a black teenager from Chicago, gained tragic notoriety in 1955 when he was kidnapped, tortured, and killed by white men. This hate crime spurred widespread support for the civil rights movement in the United States.
During the ceremony, President Biden also addressed the controversial curriculum plans in Florida, which is governed by conservative Governor Ron DeSantis. He emphasized the importance of learning about all aspects of American history, including the good and the bad, in order to understand the truth about the nation’s identity. Although he did not mention Florida or DeSantis by name, his remarks were seen as a response to the criticisms of the new curriculum standards set by the Florida education department. These standards have been accused of downplaying the crimes of slavery and systemic racism by suggesting that slaves acquired skills that could be used to their personal advantage.
Slavery played a significant role in shaping the United States from the 17th to the 19th century. Millions of Africans were forcibly brought to the country and subjected to harsh labor, primarily in the southern states, particularly in industries such as agriculture, specifically cotton and tobacco production. While slavery was officially abolished after the Civil War, systemic racism and the disadvantages faced by Black people persist to this day.
This is a crucial step towards acknowledging and honoring the victims of racial violence in the US. May this memorial serve as a constant reminder of the urgent need for justice and equality in our society.