Gov. Ralph Northam’s African American History Education Commission is holding meetings across Virginia as commission members examine how to strengthen African American history education in the Commonwealth’s public schools.
The dates and locations of the sessions are as follows:
Tuesday, Feb. 11
Harrison Museum of African American Culture
One Market Square Southeast, #2, Roanoke
Wednesday, Feb. 12
Black History Museum and Cultural Center of Virginia
122 West Leigh Street, Richmond
Thursday, Feb. 13
J.M. Langston School
228 Cleveland Street, Danville
Wednesday, March 11
Norfolk State University
700 Park Avenue, Norfolk
Thursday, March 12
Woodbridge Middle School
2201 York Drive, Woodbridge
All listening sessions will take place from 6-7:30 p.m.
Sessions will begin with a moderated panel discussion facilitated by the members of the Commission, followed by public comment.
Speakers will have three minutes each to address the Commission.
In August, Northam signed an executive order establishing the Commission and directing its members to review Virginia’s History and Social Science Standards of Learning and the instructional practices, content, and resources currently used to teach African American history—including the need for professional development for teachers on culturally competent instruction.
The executive order also directed the Virginia Department of Education, in collaboration with Virtual Virginia, WHRO Public Media, history teachers, university historians, and college professors, to develop a high school-level African American history course.
More information about the African American History Education Commission and the public listening sessions is available on the Commission’s website.
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Chris Graham
