While still a British colony, South Carolina passed the first law that denied enslaved Africans the right to learn. The Negro Act of 1740 outlawed teaching enslaved people to read. President Trump threatens to withhold federal funding from schools that teach uncomfortable truths about American history.

Across the country, churches, civil rights organizations, activists and concerned citizens are speaking up and resisting efforts to erase Black history. We have come too far to go back.

The Freedom to Learn Network, convened by the African American Policy Forum, has organized the National Week of Action to resist Trump’s attempt to erase Black history, and defend our freedom and right to learn.

The activations include a #HandsOffOurHistory gathering in DC on Saturday, May 3, 2025.

To register for the DC gathering, go here.