THE CASE FOR THE 1619 PROJECT: ADDRESSING CRITICISMS
Unpacking Latino Criticism of The 1619 Project
Addressing the arguments some Latinos have made against the accurate teaching of U.S.-centric Black History
The battle over teaching a more comprehensive history in the United States is a polarizing topic of contention, as it challenges narratives many are taught about the nation’s founding. Currently, at the forefront of the conversation — and not to be confused with Critical Race Theory — is the New York Times 1619 Project led by Nikole Hannah-Jones.¹ The intent of the project is to focus on the founding principles of the United States of America with specific reference to the system of chattel slavery.
As many focus on white conservative opposition to the project, several of its critics have come from the Latin American and Caribbean Island (LACI) community whose arguments water down the purpose of teaching an accurate interpretation of U.S.-centric Black History. While it is true the most vocal about their displeasure with historical accuracy in the U.S. have largely been white people, discussing the pushback from other communities is equally critical. Particularly, within the various LACI diasporas.
