CONTACT: Patrice Marshall McKenzie
(213) 259-9763
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Feb. 7, 2023
School Board Approves Recognition of National Black History Month
This Year’s Theme Highlights Black Resistance
Los Angeles, CA (Feb. 7, 2023) – The Los Angeles Unified Board of Education unanimously approved recognizing February as National Black History Month, and celebrating the central role of African Americans throughout U.S. history. Board Member Dr. George J. McKenna III authored the resolution, which was co-sponsored by the rest of the board.
Regarding this year’s Black Resistance theme, Board Member McKenna, who is African American, said, “Black people have engaged in acts of Resistance as a means of survival since our earliest days in the Americas and have been an integral force of driving social and political change. To that end, I have spent my career as an educator fighting for sufficient resources for Black students to maximize academic achievement. It is my hope that we will make good on that commitment to our students.”
“Each February during Black History Month, we formalize a time to recognize and celebrate the many historical, cultural, social, political and economic contributions of African Americans in our classrooms and society,” Superintendent Alberto M. Carvalho said. “The history and fabric of Los Angeles has been, in part, paved by the Black community and we are indebted for their additions to our society.”
Today’s resolution also directs the Superintendent to work with “educators, librarians, all the schools of the District, and our wider community to recognize and celebrate this month with culturally relevant and appropriate curriculum, programs, ceremonies, and activities that generate in-depth discussion and study of the complex factual history of the United States and the legacy of Black Americans.”
“Recognizing that Black history is an integral part of American history starts in our classrooms, and today we have furthered our commitment to making sure that all students see their heritage and stories reflected in their educational journey,” Board President Jackie Goldberg said. “Diversity makes our schools stronger, and we are preparing our students to better understand the world around them by honoring the contributions and sacrifices of all cultures.”
“We must make sure that when Los Angeles Unified honors Black History Month, we work together with our educators, our librarians and our wider community to ensure Black History is represented accurately and comprehensively thus ensuring student achievement can improve and we can build stronger communities,” Board Vice President Scott M. Schmerelson said.
“We must not only celebrate Black History month and also reaffirm our commitment to ensuring that our schools are culturally enriched for all students to thrive,” Board Member Dr. Rocío Rivas said.
“As we commit to centering the historical figures, events, and contributions of Black Americans in our curricula, we also reaffirm our commitment to center the lived experience of our Black students and families in our policy decisions,” Board Member Nick Melvoin said. “Our collective fight continues to dismantle systemic racism in our schools and communities, close opportunity gaps for students of color, and uplift the successes and achievements of our Black students.”
“Our students benefit so much when they see themselves celebrated and represented in their curriculum,” Board Member Kelly Gonez said. “I am so proud to be part of a District that celebrates the history and culture of all our students, as well as encourages teachers, families, and students to continue exploring Black History beyond the month of February.”
“I am proud to serve in a District that celebrates Black history, present and future all year long in our students, staff, values, curriculum, and experiences,” Board Member Tanya Ortiz Franklin said. “We are continuing our commitment to Black student excellence as we work toward more public partnerships and accountability to ensure our Black scholars are fully prepared to thrive in the college, career and life of their choice. On the one year anniversary of our unanimously passed ‘Black Student Excellence through Educator Diversity, Preparation and Retention’ I am also re-committing to the success of our Black employees, students, families, and community members as their success is the success of Los Angeles Unified.”