Teaching hard history is an approach that emphasizes the inclusion and accurate history related to slavery, racism, colonialism, and other forms of oppression. The goal of teaching hard history is to provide students with an understanding of the past, including its darker aspects, in order to provide critical thinking, empathy, and a commitment to justice and equality. Acknowledging difficult topics recognizes that certain topics in history, such as slavery, genocide, and systemic racism, are challenging to teach but essential for an understanding of the past. Teaching hard history involves incorporating diverse perspectives into the curriculum, including those of marginalized communities whose stories have often been overlooked or marginalized overtime.  It is important to provide students with the historical context surrounding difficult events including the social, economic, and political factors that contributed to them. Finally, teaching hard history often emphasizes the importance of taking action to address ongoing injustices and advocate for positive social change. Overall, teaching hard history is a vital aspect of education that gives students the knowledge, skills, and values necessary to create a more just and equitable world.