Visit any Memphis-Shelby County Schools (MSCS) classroom, and you'll hear passionate conversations about a multitude of topics, including African-American history. Three decades ago, the District launched its first African-American history course, and today, more than 2,000 high schoolers are enrolled in that course at schools across Memphis. 

Recently, national conversations about the local teaching of African-American history unfolded following an event hosted at Whitehaven High School and sponsored by Memphis Reads, a community partnership based at CBU’s Center for Community Engagement. The talk by authors Robert Samuels and Toluse Olorunnipa was carefully planned to achieve a meaningful literary experience for students. All communications with the authors prior to the event were facilitated by Memphis Reads.

The authors’ Pulitzer Prize-winning book, His Name Is George Floyd, is on the American Library Association's list of “Notable Books for Adults” and Kirkus’ “Diversity Adult Collection.” Given this classification as adult nonfiction and the limited time to review the book prior to the event, MSCS suggested that a community partner distribute the text to families outside of school. Following the event, the authors expressed their disappointment with this arrangement and the constraints they felt during their talk. A representative from MSCS  has since reached out to the authors to express regrets that Mr. Samuels and Mr. Olorunnipa felt anything less than welcome.  

MSCS remains steadfast in its commitment to educate all who thirst for knowledge and provide students with a relevant and engaging curriculum. Our ongoing efforts to celebrate African-American history and the collective resilience of those whose heroism, hardships, and hopes have shaped Memphis and our nation remain unwavering.