Civil rights leaders launched the Black History Is American History campaign to push back against Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin, who they say is trying to stop schools from teaching the history of racism.

“Ensure that we teach the full enclave of African American history and Black history because Black history is American history, and we will not allow it to be not only whitewashed whitewashed or removed or painted as negative when it comes to our school systems,” said Dr. Wes Bellamy, parent and professor of political science at Virginia State University.

The campaign follows the governor’s first executive order, which banned the teaching of critical race theory in public schools. The college has created an email account for parents to report when controversial topics are being taught. Critical Race Theory is not taught in Virginia schools.

Civil rights leaders say the governor’s order is an attempt to stop the truthful teaching of black history. They said ignoring the history of slavery, Jim Crow laws and the massive resistance to desegregation hurts all students.

“We believe our children are resilient enough to learn America’s true history and that they will take that true history with all its glory and all its dark spots and use it to build lives where they can fight for justice,” said People for the American Way executive director Svante Myrick.

When asked for a response, Youngkin’s office referred to previous statements he had made, including comments in February after the executive order was signed.

“I believe we have an opportunity in Virginia to embrace all of history, the good and the bad, and we should teach it all,” he said. “Nor do we want to teach our children to judge each other based on their race, religion or gender.”

The campaign asks people to share their story about why black history matters and what they want their children to learn. These stories will be sent to the Governor’s Inquiry Line.

The campaign urges parents to get involved, volunteer, and speak to their children and other loved ones about the importance of black history.