Teaching Black Joy - Week Six

     In most history classes across the country, Black history is taught unwillingly and incompletely. The oversimplification of Black history is present in almost every classroom within almost every grade level. The same story is always taught - Black people were slaves. Abraham Lincoln freed them. Black people weren't treated well. Martin Luther King fixed it. Everyone is happy now! We know that this isn't the truth, and teaching this basic skeleton of history to our students is doing them a great disservice. However, today's main focus is not going to be about the bad parts that are getting left out, but rather the good. 

    Black joy has been present in every part of Black history, no matter how bad things were. Joy is a part of the human experience, and by taking that away when talking about Black history, we are taking away what makes Black folks human, and thus making it easier to objectify and dehumanize Black folks and communities. 

    In order to reimagine curriculum to make it more representative of all Black experiences, educators should take the following steps.

1. Analyze existing curriculum

Who wrote the curriculum and sources that you are using? Of course, it's unavoidable to have a curriculum written by White folks, but by getting a better grasp on the representation that your curriculum has of Black authors, journalists, artists, and educators, you can understand how to adjust the curriculum that you are using. By uplifting Black voices, you are creating and facilitating Black joy!

2. Fill in the gaps

Read!! There are so many books that can help you better understand the positives and joys of the Black experience, including The Warmth of Other Suns" by Isabel Wilkerson. Attend workshops and professional developments that can help deepen your understanding. Does your district not offer them? There are many national, online trainings that happen each year. Encourage other coworkers to attend with you. 

3. Ask for help

Reach out to local museums, professors, and organizations that specialize in this type of education. The resources that they have are unimaginable, and they will be happy to share. This will help you get a better understanding of the information that is already out there, and give you ideas as to how to teach it. 

4. Don't stop with slavery

While slavery is obviously a main focus in Black history, what parts are you talking about? Make sure to include stories about resistance and success, food, culture, music, daily practices, and the positive ways in which Black folks took back their lives to experience joy. 

By taking these steps, you are better equipping yourself to teach Black history accurately as an educator, and creating safe, more representative spaces for your students of color in which they can thrive. 

https://www.edweek.org/leadership/opinion-dont-teach-black-history-without-joy/2021/02

Comments

  1. Ms. DunleyMay 26, 2021 at 8:30 AM

    Excellent posts and spot on directions for teachers to consider!

    ReplyDelete

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