“The slaves worked long hours, had none of these foreign luxuries, and were uneducated. They were, however, a merry race, for they had no responsibilities.”

“Southerners were too proud and fine to have defended slavery simply because it was to their advantage.”

“They asserted that Negroes were unequal to white men, that the best way for unequal races to live together was in a relation of master and slave, and that the slaves were actually better off…”

These are actual excerpts from the 1925 textbook History of America by Carl Russell Fish, published by the American Book Company—one of the most influential educational publishers of the time.

This textbook was read by countless high school students across the country. It didn’t just distort the truth—it painted a dangerously false narrative: that Black people were happy to be enslaved, naturally inferior, and even benefited from slavery.

This wasn’t an isolated perspective. Despite the progress made during the Civil Rights Movement, these harmful ideas were deeply ingrained in American education and continue to echo today.

Since 2021, 44 states have introduced bills or taken steps to limit how race and racism are discussed in classrooms. These measures often target concepts associated with Critical Race Theory (CRT), leading to the censorship of important conversations about systemic racism and Black history.

In Florida, for example, the Board of Education adopted new guidelines in 2023 requiring educators to teach that enslaved individuals “developed skills” that could be used for their personal benefit. This narrative has been widely condemned for distorting the brutal reality of slavery.

But what’s the harm?

If a child—Black or white—only learns about the achievements of white historical figures, they may subconsciously believe that only white people have contributed to society in meaningful ways.

Black children are left without a clear identity or sense of heritage. Without seeing people who look like them in their history books, they may feel as though their people have never achieved anything important. This can have a long-term impact on self-esteem, ambition, and sense of belonging.

So what can be done?

1. Search for truth. Don’t rely on a single narrative. Read, research, and ask questions.

2. Talk to Black people. Not just one or two—have real conversations and listen with intent.

3. Acknowledge injustice. Recognize that parts of our history have been whitewashed to make the past seem more comfortable.

4. Keep an open mind. Be willing to listen, learn, and grow—even if it challenges your assumptions.

5. Share truth with gentleness. Talk with your family and friends. Bring these truths to light in love, not shame.

History doesn’t have to be comfortable—but it must be honest. Only then can we move forward together.

Sources:

1. Fish, Carl Russell. History of America. American Book Company, 1925. This textbook contains excerpts portraying enslaved individuals as content and inferior, reflecting the biased narratives taught in early 20th-century American education

2. Education Week. "Map: Where Critical Race Theory Is Under Attack." June 11, 2021. An analysis revealing that since January 2021, 44 states have introduced bills or taken steps to restrict teaching critical race theory or limit discussions on racism and sexism in classrooms.

3. Florida Department of Education. Florida's State Academic Standards – Social Studies, 2023. The official document outlining Florida's new social studies standards, including the controversial benchmark suggesting that enslaved individuals "developed skills" that could be used for their personal benefit.

4. National Education Association (NEA). "Florida's New History Standard: 'A Blow to Our Students and Nation'." August 3, 2023. An article discussing the backlash from educators and organizations regarding Florida's new history standards that imply enslaved people benefited from slavery.

5. CBS News. "Florida's New Education Standards Say Slavery Had 'Personal Benefits'." July 20, 2023. A report highlighting the national controversy over Florida's curriculum changes that suggest enslaved individuals gained personal benefits from slavery.

6. Time Magazine. "Florida Approves Controversial Guidelines for Black History Curriculum. Here's What to Know." July 21, 2023. An overview of Florida's approved guidelines for teaching Black history, which have been criticized for providing a sanitized version of slavery and omitting critical discussions on systemic racism.

7. Brookings Institution. "Why Are States Banning Critical Race Theory?" July 2, 2021. An analysis exploring the reasons behind the surge in legislation aimed at restricting discussions of race and racism in educational settings.

8. Southern Poverty Law Center. Teaching Hard History: American Slavery. 2018. A comprehensive report emphasizing the need for accurate and honest teaching of American slavery to understand its lasting impact on society.