How Can Communities Of Color Gain Power In Rural America? #159

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New York and California are examples of states that have birthed many organizations/collations/grassroots groups and social movements to create political power for communities of color. Groups such as the Black Panthers and Brown Berets were founded in California. The National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) and the riots at Stonewall Inn which launched the national LGBTQ movements originated in New York. The power that generated from these organizations made a lasting impact on many generations that seek social change and their practices have been passed down for generations to learn from. So how can a POC who grew up in, for example, Iowa or Nebraska duplicate that same powerful force in their community so far from the coastal social movement birthplaces?

Traditions

The traditional format where parents could entrust that their children were receiving an accurate education on US history was in the classroom. The past few decades have shown a major shift in the perception of US history and how it is taught due to influences outside of academia. An example of this trend is the case in Tucson, Arizona. The state legislatures banned ethnic studies because the government officials believed the Mexican-American curriculum “promote the overthrow of the U.S. government,” and “resentment toward a race or class or people’. Parents that do want the rich knowledge of accurate and informative ethnic studies for their child have to seek other options outside of the classroom to fill that void.

What’s next?

If our history is not being taught in class, how can communities build future generations of social activists and leaders? Where can a Millennial or Generation Z seek mentorship and wisdom from experienced community leaders that have fought the fight and continue to do so?

Relationship: Trip to DC with Black Campaign School
Entertainment: 90 Day Fiancé

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