Virginia Gov. Northam establishes Commission on African American history education

Governor Northam signed an executive order establishing the Commission on African American History Education on Saturday, August 24.

The commission reviews Virginia's history standards and the instructional practices, content and resources currently used to teach African American history in Virginia.

“The full history of Virginia is complex, contradictory, and often untold—and we must do a better job of making sure that every Virginia graduate enters adult life with an accurate and thorough understanding of our past, and the pivotal role that American Americans have played in building and perfecting our Commonwealth,” said Governor Northam. “The important work of this Commission will help ensure that Virginia’s standards of learning are inclusive of African American history and allow students to engage deeply, drawing connections between historic racial inequities and their continuous influence on our communities today.”