One of the nation’s most prominent black conservative organizations harshly condemned Florida Governor Ron DeSantis’s new education policies.
One of the provisions in Florida’s new education policies regarding racial history appears to suggest students should be taught that enslaved people gained skills that benefitted them through slavery.
It has garnered major outrage from both conservatives and Democrat figures.
The latest group to speak out is the Black Conservative Federation, which bills itself as “the premier hub for black conservatives throughout the country”.
“This stance undermines the historical reality of slavery and the unimaginable hardships endured by millions of enslaved individuals,” the Black Conservative Federation said in a statement.
“In reality, slaves were oppressed and denied access to education, equal opportunities, and social mobility,” the statement added.
“They were forced to adapt and survive under extraordinary circumstances, showcasing remarkable resilience and resourcefulness. However, attributing their acquired skills as a benefit is an oversimplification and can obscure the true nature of their experiences. Slaves did not have ‘agency!’ They were forced to do jobs without pay. This is not a benefit by any stretch of the imagination.”
The group also warned that DeSantis’s education policy could reflect poorly on GOP candidates across the country.
“Positions and implementation of curriculum like this dismiss and misrepresent the experiences of marginalized communities, hinder progress, and will alienate potential supporters,” the group said. “In order to grow the party, the GOP must demonstrate a commitment to inclusivity, empathy, and an accurate understanding of our shared history.”
The Black Conservative Federation isn’t the only organization taking action.
The black men’s Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity announced it was pulling out of its 2025 general convention which was set to take place in Orlando.
Organization Leader Endorsed Trump
Diante Johnson, the President of the Black Conservative Federation, endorsed former President Donald Trump for the 2024 election.
“After speaking with President Donald J. Trump last night, I am officially endorsing him for PRESIDENT of the United States of America!” he tweeted in late June.
“After discussing the progress made for Black America throughout his administration, how Joe Biden and the radical left hijacked the very soul of our nation, gas prices, inflation, energy independence, the innocence of our children, and our nation’s educational system, I know he is the only candidate that can restore our nation. Please join me and give our 45th and 47th President your support!”
Despite being virtually tied among white voters, polls show that black and minority Republicans and independents who tend to vote for Republicans strongly favor Trump over DeSantis.
Maybe not worded correctly, but I think some folks used the skills after being freed to make a little cash and help their family.
I guess to blacks, learning to read and write was oppressive?
Blacks were given reparations- 40 acres and a mule etc and they learned to farm. I’ve had crappy jobs that paid slave wages but helped me later.
I often wonder what the lives of descendents of slaves would be if their great great great grandparents had not been captured and enslaved by other Black people then sold to slave traders.