The new Black history standards in Florida were created by a work group of 13 members, including nominees from Florida Education Commissioner Manny Diaz Jr. The group met regularly in early May to develop the standards, said Burns. The work group was composed of educators, including high school history teachers and curriculum coordinators for school districts . The members include a former chairman of the U.S. Commission of Civil Rights, Dr. William Allen, who was a political science professor at Michigan State University. Frances Presley Rice, who served as a chair for the National Black Republican Association, was also a member of the work group.
