Labor Movement Theme Highlighted for 2025 Observance of Black History Month
The School District is proud to celebrate Black History Month, the annual observance that honors the rich cultural heritage and contributions of African Americans.
The Association for the Study of African American Life and History announced the official theme for this year, "African Americans and Labor”.
The theme provides an opportunity to examine organized labor’s role in fighting economic and social injustice. In 2025, the 100-year anniversary of the creation of the Brotherhood of Sleeping Car Porters and Maids will be recognized. Labor organizer and civil rights activist A. Philip Randolph founded the organization, the first Black union to receive a charter in the American Federation of Labor.
Milestones of historical significance are acknowledged and incorporated into the curriculum provided to students in the District to enhance their knowledge and understanding.
In accordance with Florida Statute 1003.42(2)(h) governing required instruction in public K-12 education, the District ensures that students receive lessons about: the history of African Americans, including the history of African peoples before the political conflicts that led to the development of slavery, the passage to America, the enslavement experience, abolition, and the history and contributions of Americans of the African diaspora to society.
The District’s African and African American Studies department provides curriculum units that teach about African and African American experiences and contributions. In support of this year’s Black History Month theme, the department has created lessons that have been distributed to schools. The lessons for students in grades K-5 and grades 6-12 offer extensive, detailed information about African Americans, the labor movement, and entrepreneurs.