Educational Policy & Ideology - Oklahoma is implementing an "America First" exam for incoming teachers from New York and California, aiming to screen out "woke indoctrinators" [1] - The test, created with the help of conservative media nonprofit PragerU, covers government, religion, and gender [1][2] - PragerU's teaching materials, now part of the Oklahoma school system, present controversial viewpoints on topics like slavery and gender roles [2][3] - Critics argue this represents an ideological shift in education, moving beyond supplemental material to influencing teacher certification [5][13] - Concerns are raised that the focus on identity and race in current teaching methods is negatively impacting students [10] Curriculum & Perspectives - The report highlights the debate around contextualizing historical events like slavery, with concerns that certain presentations may downplay its severity [8] - Educators argue they already supplement curricula with diverse perspectives and primary source documents [8][9] - There's a pushback against what's perceived as a "fake" or biased retelling of American history [9] - The report suggests a disconnect between political narratives and the actual experiences of students and teachers in classrooms [11][12][13]

Political & Cultural Landscape - US President Trump is directing a formal review of the Smithsonian Institution due to concerns about its portrayal of US history being "too negative" and overly focused on slavery [1] - The review is part of a broader initiative against "woke culture" [1] - The White House has withdrawn funding from colleges and universities accused of fostering anti-semitic climates and promoting unfair DEI initiatives [1]

President Trump is ordering attorneys to conduct a formal review of the Smithsonian Institution based in Washington DC. Now, he said the museum's portrayal of US history is quote too negative and too focused on quote how bad slavery was. This is the latest move in the president's crusade against so-called woke culture.And it comes after the White House pulled funding from several colleges and universities alleging they fostered anti-Semitic climates and pushed unfair DEI initiatives. NBC News chief White Ho ...

Government & Policy - President Trump orders review of Smithsonian museums, alleging excessive focus on the negative aspects of slavery [1] - The review process mirrors those conducted at universities facing federal funding cuts due to DEI and anti-semitism concerns [1] - The discussion extends beyond the President to his supporters, influencing the broader narrative [2] Historical & Social Commentary - The American story is portrayed as an extraordinary arc of progress [2] - The narrative emphasizes figures who overcame adversity to advance civil rights, such as a person who rose from poverty to become a state legislator and champion emancipation [3] - Figures like Frederick Douglas are highlighted for their complex relationship, sometimes opposing, sometimes allying, in the fight for equality [4] - The story of LBJ's transformation from opposing the 1957 Civil Rights Act to passing landmark legislation in 1964 and 1965 is presented as a key example [4] - The overall narrative aims to inspire future generations by showcasing the country's continuous movement towards a more perfect union, despite setbacks [4][5] - The importance of telling this story to inspire future generations to strive for improvement and progress is emphasized [5]

Trump Complains Smithsonian Highlights ‘How Bad Slavery Was’https://t.co/0ms2HSjWgZ https://t.co/rQKfkywm6v ...

Historical Interpretation & Preservation - The discussion emphasizes the importance of honoring and learning from the past to unite people and provide a common ground for reflection, especially during times of social change [5] - It highlights the potential for historical mistakes if the truth of history is ignored, particularly concerning African American history as an inseparable part of American history [7][8] - The need to be factual when remembering history is stressed to avoid repeating past mistakes [9] - The speaker is partnering with the City of Richmond, Virginia, to mark African Landing Day, commemorating the arrival of the first enslaved Africans in Virginia [3] Cultural Impact & Political Conversation - Movies like Amistad can be instrumental in promoting and preserving history, raising awareness and understanding [13][14] - The Trump administration's efforts to cleanse and rewrite history, particularly black history, are criticized [2][4] - The importance of culture, TV, and movies in shaping the political conversation is noted, especially in the context of attempts to control culture for political purposes [12] Reconciliation & Healing Initiatives - The speaker's foundation is starting an event called "Run Richmond 1619" to bring about reconciliation, healing, and reconnect the African diaspora to its continent [9] - The speaker will be visiting historical sites pertaining to Black history in Virginia and addressing the commission along with local partners, including Fort Monroe Projects 1619 [10] - Research indicates the first landing place of enslaved Africans was Point Comfort in Hampton, Virginia, not Jamestown [11]

RT Matt Walsh (@MattWalshBlog)You moron. Every single public school in the country, along with the media and Hollywood and every other major institution, are all still teaching that white Americans carry some kind of unique guilt for slavery. This is a core belief and millions of Americans have been brainwashed into it. We haven't even come close to "winning" this issue yet. Not even within a thousand miles of winning. Just because some of you useless idiots get bored of a topic doesn't mean it's "won." It ...

President Trump also um is attempting to force the Smithsonian to change its museums, exhibits, and operations to reflect his view of American history. NBC News has learned the White House sent a letter to museum officials directing a wide review of eight of the Smithsonian's 21 museums ahead of America's 250th anniversary. Vice President JD Vance will oversee that process.The museums will have 30 days to turn over information about their current exhibits and plans to commemorate the anniversary. And within ...

RT Kaizen D. Asiedu (@thatsKAIZEN)Slavery was practiced by people of all colors, well before America and the British did it.The British were the first major power to stop it, and pressure others to do the same.Slavery is evil, and evil is not unique to white people.Yet somehow this is controversial to say. ...

Racial Justice and Mapping - Maps have historically been used to establish and perpetuate racism, and continue to pose risks to communities of color if race is not considered [3][4][5] - Organizations should prioritize conversations about race and racial equity in their work to ensure the safety, health, and prosperity of every community [7] - Colonizers used maps to exploit Africa's resources and enslave its people, highlighting the historical misuse of maps for oppression [9][10][15] - Redlining practices in the US, supported by racist maps, led to segregation and limited opportunities for Black communities [19][20][21] - During disasters like Hurricane Katrina, racial disparities were evident, with Black people disproportionately affected [22][23][24] - Colorblind maps during the COVID-19 pandemic failed to address racial disparities, but some organizations used maps to highlight these inequalities, revealing that Black people were two to six times more likely to die [24][25][26] Action and Change - Change requires action, not just time, in the fight against racism and other systems of oppression [32] - When creating and using maps, it is crucial to involve Black people and other marginalized groups in the process [34] - Maps and policies should be designed to advance racial justice from the beginning, not as an afterthought [34] - The Northstar of GIS promotes mapping practices rooted in racial justice and highlights the work of the melanated and mapping community [30][31]