The Florida General Baptist Convention, Inc., through its Social Justice Ministry, chaired by Reverend Dr. RB Holmes, is fully committed and supportive of the mission and goals of the “Teaching Our Own History Task Force.” I wish to particularly commend this outstanding task force for their faithful commitment and dedication.

In April of 2023, at the Convention’s Annual session in Orlando, Florida, the Florida General Baptist Convention, Inc. held a major press conference announcing the critical need for a comprehensive history of African Americans. Yes, in the midst of political rhetoric and conservative backlash, we could not stand idly by and ignore the misinformed voices. Our children, our communities and our country need to have the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth.

As one of the largest Baptist organizations in Florida, we applaud the dynamic work of the Task Force. The symposium is just the beginning. We are pleased to announce that over fifty churches and organizations have expressed an interest in organizing “Freedom Schools” across the state. The establishment of these schools will be a powerful source of education, information and inspiration. Additionally, our Convention will be providing training opportunities for Christian educators during the various Congresses of Christian Education, held throughout the state in over twenty-five jurisdictions, impacting thousands of congregants. We will also have a major training session at the Convention’s Annual Session in April and at the annual statewide Congress of Christian Education in August. We anticipate that the Florida model will be further duplicated and replicated throughout the nation through our national Convention. Thanks be to God for this tremendous initiative.