Virginia 4th grade textbook claims thousands of blacks fought for confederacy
A textbook distributed to Virginia’s fourth graders states that African Americans served in the Confederate Army by the thousands. The book, “Our Virginia: Past and Present” was distributed for the first time last month to outcry from parents and educators.
Kenneth Davis, popular historian and best-selling author of “Don’t Know Much About History,” joins the show to talk about where this claim comes from, whether it’s true, and how misinformation gets passed off as fact. Takeaway contributor Patrik Henry Bass offers some books that might do a better job of educating our children about our nation’s bloodiest war.
At The World, we believe strongly that human-centered journalism is at the heart of an informed public and a strong democracy. We see democracy and journalism as two sides of the same coin. If you care about one, it is imperative to care about the other.
Every day, our nonprofit newsroom seeks to inform and empower listeners and hold the powerful accountable. Neither would be possible without the support of listeners like you. If you believe in our work, will you give today? We need your help now more than ever!