Arizona’s Black History Debate: Erasure or Systemic Oppression

Is Arizona erasing Black history? These leaders say contributions 'systemically oppressed'

Arizona Republic, By Kaely Monahan Amanda Luberto, on July 9, 2024

https://www.azcentral.com/story/news/local/2024/07/08/is-arizona-erasing-black-history/74282912007/ 

Arizona, a state with a rich and diverse history, has long seen the stories and contributions of its African American residents underacknowledged or completely erased. Despite the presence of over 318,000 Black residents today, Black history in Arizona is rarely taught in schools, prompting the question: Why isn’t Arizona doing a better job of preserving and sharing its Black history? Arizona’s Black history is a rich and complex tapestry, stretching from the first recorded Black resident in Phoenix, Mary Green, in 1868, to a vibrant community of over 318,000 today. Despite this significant presence, many argue that Arizona’s Black history is often sidelined or completely absent from educational curricula. The conversation delves into the systemic neglect of Black history, exploring why these vital narratives are frequently relegated to the background.

The discussion underscores a critical issue: despite the substantial Black population in Arizona, historical and institutional records fail to reflect this diversity. Jessica Salo, an archivist at Arizona State University, reveals that only 0 to 2% of archival collections at major institutions like ASU, NAU, and the University of Arizona represent minority groups, including Black, Latinx, Pacific Islanders, and LGBTQ+ communities.

The panel discussion also touches on broader issues of representation and inclusion. Pastor Warren Stewart’s poignant observation that "you may not be a white supremacist but you're a white standard" speaks to the pervasive issue of the white experience being used as a benchmark, marginalizing other perspectives. This “white standard” influences educational materials and institutional priorities, impacting how different histories are taught and perceived.

The conversation brings to light how systemic biases in education and archival practices contribute to a lack of representation and understanding of Black history. The panelists emphasize the need for more inclusive teaching and archival practices, recognizing that true progress involves acknowledging and addressing these gaps in representation. They advocate for a more equitable approach to documenting and teaching history that reflects the diverse experiences and contributions of all communities.

The Non-Prophets, Episode 23.30.3 featuring Cynthia McDonald, Scott Dickie, "Eli" (Eli Slack) and Jonathan Roudabush

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