Why Are Some White Folks Afraid of Teaching African American History? A Black Man's Perspective...

By Christopher Kunney

Across the nation, debates over school curricula are heating up. At the heart of many of these debates lies a critical question: Why are some white Americans afraid of teaching African American history? This question is not simply about textbooks or lesson plans—it goes to the core of how we understand our national identity, the purpose of education, and our collective willingness to confront uncomfortable truths.

Teaching African American history doesn’t mean rewriting history—it means telling the whole story. And yet, resistance persists. To understand why, we must dig beneath the surface and explore the underlying fears, misconceptions, and societal pressures that shape this resistance.

Fear of Guilt, Blame, and Shame

One of the most common reasons for resistance is the fear that teaching the full scope of African American history will make white students (and adults) feel guilty or ashamed. Many people conflate learning about systemic injustice with personal blame. But education is not about assigning guilt—it's about creating awareness. It's about understanding how systems have worked, and in many cases, still work, to advantage some while disadvantaging others.

This fear of emotional discomfort often leads to calls to water down, avoid, or outright ban content that might provoke strong reactions. But if education isn’t sometimes uncomfortable, it’s probably not doing its job.

Disruption of the American Myth

For generations, American history has been taught through a sanitized lens—one that often highlights patriotism, progress, and greatness without fully reckoning with the atrocities and contradictions of slavery, segregation, redlining, and mass incarceration.

African American history challenges the myth of a flawless America. It presents a more nuanced, complex, and sometimes painful story—one that doesn’t fit neatly into tales of manifest destiny and exceptionalism. For some, this feels like an attack on national pride rather than an opportunity for deeper, more honest reflection.

Political and Cultural Polarization

Discussions of race, history, and identity have become political flashpoints. Terms like “critical race theory” have been distorted and weaponized, sparking moral panic and legislation that aims to restrict how race and racism are taught.

In this hyper-polarized environment, the teaching of African American history is often portrayed as a political act rather than an educational necessity. This fear of political backlash causes some educators, administrators, and parents to tread carefully—or not tread at all—around topics that should be fundamental to any honest curriculum.

Fear of Losing Control Over the Narrative

Historically, the dominant narrative in America has been told from a white perspective. Teaching African American history—especially when it centers Black voices, experiences, and contributions—challenges that monopoly. It redistributes the power of storytelling.

For some, this feels threatening. It disrupts the status quo. But truth-telling isn’t about erasing anyone’s story; it’s about making room for everyone’s story. Expanding the narrative doesn’t diminish anyone—it strengthens all of us.

Anxiety About Racial Reckoning

Teaching African American history forces society to grapple with unresolved issues—racism, inequality, reparations, and justice. It raises hard questions: What has been done in our name? What do we owe to one another? What must change?

These are not easy conversations. But avoiding them doesn’t make them disappear. It only postpones the reckoning and deepens the divide.

Why This Matters Now More Than Ever

We are at a crossroads. As America continues to diversify, the demand for a fuller, more inclusive historical narrative grows stronger. Students, Black, white, and everything in between deserve to know the truth. Not a version of history curated for comfort, but one that fosters critical thinking, empathy, and a deeper understanding of the world they’re inheriting.

African American history is not a threat to unity—it’s a pathway to it. By teaching it honestly, we acknowledge past harms, celebrate resilience and achievement, and commit ourselves to building a more just and informed future.

Silencing history does not heal wounds. But teaching it courageously and completely just might.

As a descendant of enslaved people, sharecroppers, educators, and entrepreneurs—and as a father, grandfather, and fellow human being—I genuinely want to understand your perspective. My hope is that, together, we can face the painful truths of our shared history, embrace one another in fellowship, and commit to evolving as a human family. Only then can we lay the groundwork for a more just and compassionate world for generations to come.

I’m not asking you to carry the burden of your ancestors’ choices. I’m simply hoping you’ll have the courage to ensure they’re never repeated.

Christopher Kunney is a healthcare executive, podcast host of “Straight Outta Health IT,” and passionate advocate for truth, equity, and justice in all systems—especially education.