In August 2022 I wrote an op-ed for The Washington Post on why Virginia’s history standards should include the story of William Mahone and the Readjusters—one of the most successful bi-racial political parties of the nineteenth century.
I first learned about William Mahone and the Readjuster Party from your book, “Remembering the Battle of the Crater.” It’s progress to see this important piece of history added to the SOLs draft, and hope it makes it to the final draft. It makes a great lesson of cooperation and inclusion for students and all the rest of us. Frankly, I have a little extra skin in the game as I have a biracial granddaughter growing up in Virginia.
I have no doubt your op-ed played a role in the Board’s decision. Well done.
Thanks for the comment, Laura. I was actually notified about the addition to the SOLs by a member of Virginia Department of Education so perhaps it did have an impact. I also hope it remains, but given the politicization of the entire process I wouldn't be surprised if it were removed.
I first learned about William Mahone and the Readjuster Party from your book, “Remembering the Battle of the Crater.” It’s progress to see this important piece of history added to the SOLs draft, and hope it makes it to the final draft. It makes a great lesson of cooperation and inclusion for students and all the rest of us. Frankly, I have a little extra skin in the game as I have a biracial granddaughter growing up in Virginia.
I have no doubt your op-ed played a role in the Board’s decision. Well done.
Thanks for the comment, Laura. I was actually notified about the addition to the SOLs by a member of Virginia Department of Education so perhaps it did have an impact. I also hope it remains, but given the politicization of the entire process I wouldn't be surprised if it were removed.