Students rally for better recognition of Black History in Duval Schools

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Students from across the county gathered with community activists in front of the Duval County Public School headquarters to make their voices heard.

“This movement is simply about black voices being heard. And this is a reoccurring issue not only within our school district, but within our whole world,” Lydia Hanson, a senior at Douglas Anderson High School.

The issue stems from the District launching a mental health campaign, “You Matter Month”, during a month focused on Black History - something that many students at the rally expressed is not taught at schools.

“Even though Mental Health Awareness Month is September and I don’t I don’t even understand why they felt the need to make it in February,” Hanson said. “But if you if you feel like mental health is something you need to talk about, why not talk about mental health in the black community?”

The rally organizer, Deyona Burton, a senior at Robert E. Lee High School says she only started learning more about local Black History from a small exhibit at the MOSH and not in her school.

“There are so many gaps in what I’m taught about my history, a part of American history that needs to be a priority. And at the very least, it should be taught during Black History Month,” Burton said.

She recommends that the district revamps Wellness Wednesdays, by focusing and teaching about local Black history, by having more discussions, and by involving students.

Board Member Darryl Willie did make an appearance at the rally. He did not speak for long as he wanted the rally to focus on the students, but he did say that the Board is listening.

DCPS Superintendent Dr. Diana Greene sent out a message later Monday afternoon saying that more conversation will happen with school leaders later this month.

Cox Media Group