In October 2018, a group of concerned parents and community members met in response to the lack of African American representation in the Delaware City School District curriculum. In addition to African American children seeing themselves in the literature or history they study, it was also important that students from the dominant culture heard voices from other perspectives in order to grow their own thinking. Those perspectives needed to be diverse and empowering as well — as only showing Black suffering or slavery does not begin to break down problematic beliefs about African American people, it normalizes pain and powerlessness.

Instead, students coming from positions of power need to see and understand the power and agency of those who have been historically disenfranchised, particularly since society frequently tells them otherwise. This inclusive approach provides a more accurate and nuanced understanding of African American history. Resolved to lead the change, the group founded the Delaware African American Heritage Council to address these gaps while augmenting this education with engaging programs, training, and experiences.