June 17, 2020

Teach the History of Juneteenth

Juneteenth—celebrated across the country on June 19—marks an important milestone in the struggle for freedom. But the lessons of this holiday can and should be taught year-round. Learn more about how the history of Juneteenth acknowledges hard history while also empowering students to be advocates for change.

The Courage to Teach Hard History // Hasan Kwame Jeffries 

Don’t Say Nothing // Jamilah Pitts

Nothing About Us Without Us Is for Us // Maya Lindberg
“No, I Am Not OK.” Thanks for Asking. 
As protesters across the nation rise up against police violence and systemic racism in support of Black lives, there’s something white allies need to recognize: If you’re asking Black people if they’re OK,the answer is no. In our latest article, professor Neal A. Lester asks, “If you are paying attention ... how can anyone be OK?”

Teaching The New Jim Crow: A Teacher’s Guide

Michelle Alexander’s The New Jim Crow is widely regarded as one of the most important books of the past decade addressing racial justice. Many people are reading or revisiting the book right now to learn more about racism in the U.S. justice system. These are topics educators should address in the classroom—but also topics that require care. Our curriculum for the book is specifically designed for students in grades 9–12 and can help you teach about the issues at the center of Alexander’s work.  

Is Curriculum Violence Happening at Your School?

Yes, curriculum can be violent—whether you intend it or not. Education professor Stephanie P. Jones founded the Mapping Racial Trauma in Schools project and has uncovered that most instances of curriculum violence occur during instruction about Black history. In our latest issue, Jones writes about curriculum violence and how you can avoid it.

The Effects of Constant Online Exposure to Violence

At a time when many Black students have instant access to social media, it’s important we recognize the trauma that could result from seeing the widely shared videos of killings and police violence. Constant exposure to violence via social media is certainly harming students, and educators can learn to recognize the signs to give students the support they need. Read more here.

Check Out What We’re Reading

“Pride cannot be celebrated without acknowledging the critical, and oftentimes dangerous work that has been done, and continues to be done, by Black queer voices and activists.” — Refinery29

“For over two centuries, the state has imposed violence against black children as a means of establishing and maintaining white supremacy. From slavery to Jim Crow, through the civil rights movement and today, African American children have been targeted in ways that suppress their present and future attainment of citizenship rights.” — The Washington Post

“Like many Americans, Breanna has been watching the passionate demonstrations against racism and police violence on the news and wanting to do something. The encouragement of her teachers at P.S. 72 in Manhattan, where Breanna is in fifth grade, inspired her to plan her own protest.” — Chalkbeat New York
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