Redefining Black History: This Event Could Transform The African-American Narrative

Centered, a collaboration between Common Sense Media and SOHH.com, hosted last week an event aimed at advocating for African-American history curricula and media.

The event, titled "Centered: Black Resistance Stories For Today's Kids and Future Generations," introduced a new book, "Resistance Stories from Black History for Kids" (Simon & Schuster), authored by educator Rann Miller.

The live event featured an interactive panel discussion, as well as a presentation by Jersey City youth emphasizing the urgency and impact of Black History education in New Jersey schools and across the nation.

The panelists for the event included Rann Miller, author and Executive Research & Development Advisor for the Diversity & Equal Opportunity Network (DEON); Jasmine Hood Miller, Director of Community Content and Engagement at Common Sense Media; Felicia Palmer, CEO & President of 4Control Media and SOHH; and representatives from "The Last Period" podcast.

In addition, Jayne Johnson, Director of the Office of Equity at the Office of NJ Governor Phil Murphy; Rudy Rodas, State Director at the Office of NJ Senator Bob Menendez; Frank Gilmore, Jersey City Ward F. Councilman; Lorenzo Richardson, Board Member of the Jersey City Board of Education; and Dr. Norma Fernandez, Superintendent of Jersey City Public Schools, were in attendance.

The event was hosted by The Boys & Girls Clubs of Hudson County where local teens are learning content creation, podcasting and activist journalism. The significance of this event lies in the necessity to preserve and teach historical facts related to the African-American experience in America. Traditional history books often present a watered-down version of Black history, focusing on "safe" topics that do not fully represent the experiences of the Black and African diaspora. This event supports New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy's statement that his state "will stand on the side of teaching our full history," in response to anti-critical-race-theory laws, book bans, and curriculum condemnations in high schools across the U.S.

With a common goal of fostering a more comprehensive understanding of African-American history, the event aimed to inspire and empower today's youth while encouraging advocates in New Jersey and beyond to join in this important conversation.