Res. No. 133
Resolution supporting the concept of the Underground Railroad Curriculum, a culturally relevant and inspiring educational tool that educates students about the contributions, accomplishments and struggles of African Americans.
By Council Members Barron, Dickens, Foster, James, and Mark-Viverito
Whereas, It is the duty of the New York City Department of Education to educate and inspire students of all ancestries; and
Whereas, According to the New York City Department of Education, African American students constitute over one third of the students in the New York City public school system; and
Whereas, According to Black New Yorkers for Educational Excellence, there is no curriculum in place in New York City schools that teaches black history in a systematic manner; and
Whereas, The lack of adequate incorporation of black history in the New York City school curriculum overlooks a crucial aspect of the history of the United States and minimizes the accomplishments, contributions and struggles of African Americans; and
Whereas, Neglecting black history in our schools is a disservice to all New York City students, but above all, is damaging to the well being of African American students and their communal and individual self-awareness; and
Whereas, There is a need for New York City schools to emphasize the significance of black history, most notably the African American battle to overcome racial inequality that spawned the American Civil Rights movement, one of the most significant social and political advancements of US history; and
Whereas, The Underground Railroad Curriculum seeks to establish equity with respect to the current cultural imbalance in the education of New York City students; and
Whereas, The New York State Legislature and the United States Congress have both mandated the incorporation of the Underground Railroad Curriculum for students; and
Whereas, Implementation of the Underground Railroad Curriculum will foster and promote a more culturally sensitive learning environment for students, and bestow upon the African American community much needed recognition of the importance of black history by New York City’s educational institutions; now, therefore, be it
Resolved, That the Council of the City of New York supports the concept of the Underground Railroad Curriculum, a culturally relevant and inspiring educational tool that educates students about the contributions, accomplishments and struggles of African Americans.
SS
Res. 828/2005