On August 24, 2019, the Office of the Governor announced that Governor Ralph Northam signed an executive order to establish the Commission on African American History Education.
LCS Superintendent Crystal Edwards was among the individuals the Governor has appointed to serve on the commission.
"I am excited about how this meaningful work will enrich the lives of not only African American students but all students in the Commonwealth."
"I am honored to be selected to serve alongside some very prominent and distinguished educators on the Commission of African American History Education," says Dr. Edwards. "Growing up in New Jersey, I often felt limited to the 'textbook version' of African American history and questioned whether students were exposed to and engaged in a curriculum that truly represented the richness of African American people and their contributions to the growth, development and wealth of our country.
"Having moved to Virginia where the American part of our African American history began, I have a new passion for ensuring that our students have a thorough understanding of implications that the history of the Commonwealth and the behaviors, attitudes, habits of mind and decisions from the past have had on the current day rights and access, living conditions, and status of African American people.
"Moreover, I am excited about how this meaningful work will enrich the lives of not only African American students but all students in the Commonwealth."
For details on the Commission, see the complete release sent by the Governor's office:
https://www.governor.virginia.gov/newsroom/all-releases/2019/august/hea…