“Black, Female, and Teaching Social Justice: Transformative Pedagogy for Challenging Times.” Black Women and Social Justice Education: Legacies and Lessons, edited by Stephanie Y. Evans, Andrea Domingue, and Tania Mitchell. SUNY Press, 2019, pp. 183-199.
Intro Excerpt: Matters of social justice are increasingly pervading U.S. society and the greater global community. From news headlines to social media memes, people are confronted with the reality of inequalities and various forms of discrimination. Ignoring the fights against civil and human rights violations that are often reminiscent of the U.S. Civil Rights Movement of the 1950s and ‘60s is virtually impossible for people living in the United States. Famous quotes from revered ancestors such as Martin Luther King, Jr. are boldly displayed on signs and T-shirts at marches, protests, and community meetings throughout the nation. Unsurprisingly, college professors like me witness the ills of society spill onto our campuses and into our classrooms. In addition to participating in community protests against injustices, students are organizing protests on college campuses to demand an end to racially insensitive and discriminatory atmospheres at their universities. As in the larger society, many of the issues being combatted have long been a part of campus culture, but current events highlight their existence. As college professors, we aim to help students understand and become better informed about their surroundings so they learn the importance of contributing meaningfully to society. Diversifying our pedagogical practices and embracing a social justice education (SJE) approach, especially during challenging times, is critical to underscoring the reality of inequalities and equipping students with the necessary analytical thinking skills to resist them. For more information and resources related to the book collection, visit here.
