YAAHA believes black history should be taught with facts without changing the narrative or definitions and should be presented truthfully, warts and all. The 1619 Project does not tell the correct or entire story of black history. For example, the 1619 Project would have you believe that all whites are the oppressors, and all blacks are the victims. This narrative is destructive to whites and blacks and lacks context and logic. Many of the audacious claims that the 1619 Project makes are only made through the lens of slavery.
To present an enriched education, YAAHA is determined to tell the rich history of blacks and whites who together made changes in America to benefit everyone. YAAHA provides a black history that empowers our citizens with successful stories of perseverance and resilience. We do not shy away from the atrocities of slavery, segregation, Black Codes, Jim Crow, or white supremacy. Nor do we whitewash this history. But instead, we share stories that provide skills and knowledge to all students as we move toward a more prosperous future.
We are proud of our lesson plans, videos, blogs, and PowerPoints that ensure that our children are taught about great inventors, explorers, politicians, civil rights leaders, physicians, and people who risked their livelihoods and lives to fight slavery.
The 1619 Project is wrong when it says that “anti-black racism runs in the very DNA of this country.” This is counterproductive and would suggest that changes in America are not possible.
YAAHA rejects the 1619 Project and replaces it with a factual history that highlights the significant accomplishments of our black citizens who make America great.