The Grio: “Democratic Governors Holding The Line To Protect Black History and Books”

The Grio: “Democratic Governors Holding The Line To Protect Black History and Books”

A new report from The Grio highlights how Democratic governors using their power to protect and expand access to Black history and books in the face of extreme Republican attacks, writing: “Democratic governors are on the frontlines in the battle over the teachings of race and Black history, seeking to advance access to literature and curriculums on the African-American experience through the critical periods of U.S. slavery, racial segregation and institutional racism.”

Gov. Wes Moore, the nation’s only sitting Black governor told The Grio:,“Black History Month reminds us that our present is the result of the fights, struggles and victories of those who came before us. And when you hold that truth close to your heart, you quickly realize there is nothing you cannot achieve. Those who seek to erase history are taking direct aim at a unique source of strength and pride within all of our communities — because those who do not learn their past will never know their power, it’s why we must stand together to protect our history and be unapologetic about it.”

Read other key examples from The Grio on how Democratic governors are holding the line to protect Black history and books: 

• “California Gov. Gavin Newsom signed a bill last year prohibiting school boards across the state from banning books, instructional materials or educational courses categorized as inclusive or diverse. The legislation allows the state to levy fines against school boards that defy the law.”
• “Illinois became the first state to pass legislation prohibiting book bans in public libraries when Gov. J.B. Pritzker signed a law stipulating that libraries can only access state grants if they abide by the American Library Association’s Library Bill of Rights, which states that ‘materials should not be proscribed or removed because of partisan or doctrinal disapproval.’”
• “Gov. Phil Murphy expanded AP African-American studies courses in the state.”
• “Delaware Gov. John Carney signed a bill requiring public schools in his state to teach specific aspects of Black history, like the impact of slavery on the U.S. economy and the role racism played in the Civil War.”
• “In June 2023, 10 Democratic governors authored a letter to publishers opposing school textbook censorships, accusing them of caving in to the “unreasonable” demands of Republican governors.”

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