AP AAS

Dear Teachers Facing Repression,

My name is Abigail Henry and I have been thinking about you. I am piloting the AP African American Studies course in West Philadelphia. I am regularly inspired by my inaugural cohort of these amazing students I teach. None of the students have to take the course, and yet they opted in for a more challenging course. They are aware of the political moment in which they are taking the course and the fact that their Black history is being silenced. They want to abolish this institutional repression and bring further awareness to what they are learning in the course. They are concerned about teachers throughout the United States who are unable to teach their history, and they wanted to show solidarity with you. Please take the time to read some of their postcards, and if you are interested in writing them back about your experience, please contact me at theblkcabinet@gmail.com I am hoping this could just be the beginning of something larger, and meaningful for teachers like us, that want to teach truth and support all the students we serve.

Yours in Solidarity,

Ms. Henry

Student 1

Dear Teacher Facing Repression, '

I am taking an AP African American Studies class and it has taught me the importance of unity and liberty. I am angry that our people are being halted and stopped from sharing information. I want you to know I am here for you and I support you.

West Philly Senior

Student 2

Dear repressed teacher,

I am a student who takes the AP AAS course. A course that is banned in Florida, which is very unfair for both the students and teachers. Black history should never be taken away. I hope this letter reaches you well, and that it encourages you to keep up the fight. The fight for Black History.

Yours,

A Black Student in West Philly

Student 3

Dear REPRESSED Teacher,

Black History is important for all students across the U.S to be taught to spread awareness to the hardships and achievements their fellow black students people have gone through. With our future ahead of us and our ancestors besides us, There’s nothing that shouldn’t be taught!

West Philly Student

Student 4

Dear repressed teacher

I can’t imagine the things y’all are going through just because certain states don't want students to know about slavery and the everything after that the African American community experienced. I want you to know that not just me but many more people stand with you.

-Student 4

Student 5

Dear Repressed Teacher,

I'm sorry to be informed that you and the students you lead are not able to fully experience the beauty of Black history. Black history is the most beautiful thing ever!! It's so much to learn and explore because it shows the strength and power we commanded at our lowest. I hope the best and I pray that you'll able to incorporate it in some way in your classroom to share the wonderful history and knowledge.

West Philly Senior

Student 6

Dear repressed teacher,

Black history to me is a way to empower the Black community. We may encounter defeat, but we may not be defeated. I'm angry because we deserve to learn our culture. I want to share solidarity with you because I care about you, and the Black history your students deserve to reserve.

West Philly student

Student 7

Dear teachers,

History is taught to inflict today’s youth about the past and do not to repeat its horrors. Black history is always attempted to be erased by not allowing us to our education. What frustrates me is that in 2024, we’re still dealing with this problem. I have respect for you for helping us through this on going issues.

- 2024 student

Student 8

Dear (repressed) teacher,

I stand with you and feel the anger from not being able to to teach the rich and important aspects of black history. It’s wrong and completely immoral, and I stand with you.

-West Philly Student

Student 9

Dear repressed teacher,

Black history is the history of the world and as well our resilient ancestors, to reject it is to reject what they stood for and to reject them is to forget the unjust horrors that were acted upon them. To stand up for history is a brave thing to do when surrounded by people who want to reject your voice. Stay strong and know that we stand with you.

From student X.

Student 10

Dear Repressed Teacher,

Black history is about the tragic past that Black people had to go through because of their skin color. In our school you learn about exactly what happened to your ancestors but more importantly how they stood up and resisted. I think students should have the right to learn about their history. Teachers fighting repression I ask that you do all in your power to make your voice heard and continue to promote change, we stand with you.

From,

West Philly Senior

Student 11

Dear Repressed Teacher,

I’m showing solidarity because I believe you should be able to show your black students where they came from, who they are, and who they come from. I want you to stay strong and fight to be able to tell people the truth

West Philly student X

Student 12

Dear Teacher,

Black History is so important in the context where America is today . Neglecting this certain part of history is ignorantly racist. Give these students a chance to be educated on Black History and you won't regret them learning about it's importance. The real unbiased stories and the truth of important events from years of slavery, to the Civil War, to the celebration of Juneteenth and more. I support you in teaching this history.

Sincerely,

West Philly Student X

Student 13

Dear Repressed Teacher,

I know this may be a tough time for you but i want you to know that we’re sending love and support. You shouldn't be silenced or not able to teach your children about their ancestors. To me black history is important so students can learn about black perseverance & the struggle for equality. Don't stop teaching the truth.

- yours in solidarity

Student 1

Student 2

Student 3

Student 4

Student 5

Student 6

Student 7

Student 8

Student 9

Student 10

Student 11

Student 12

Student 13

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