African American Policy Forum calls for educator ‘Day of Action’ for George Floyd’s birthday

To commemorate George Floyd on what would have been his birthday Thursday, the African American Policy Forum is holding a national “Day of Action” for educators to teach about structural racism and oppression.

The national social justice think tank issued a toolkit with suggestions for educators, as well as parents, students and organizers for the day of action. The group suggests educators choose lessons from the Black Lives Matter at School curriculum guide, the Zinn’s Education Project’s #TeachTruth Syllabus, or the National Education Association’s Racial Justice Resources. Educators can also plan a “virtual field trip” to the Legacy Museum, the Smithsonian Institute’s National Museum of African American History and Culture, or other sites.

Educators are also invited to publicly declare their intent to teach antiracist lessons and wear a Black Lives Matter at School shirt or all-black shirt.

Students are encouraged to speak to their local school board to express support for antiracist lessons on history and current events, work with their teachers to prepare a lesson that “decolonizes the curriculum,” post a video on TikTok or Instagram saying what learning “authentic history” means to them and wear a Black Lives Matter at School shirt or all-black shirt.