"I'm Not Ashamed of Being African": Examining Culturally Relevant/Sustaining Pedagogical Practices in an African Club

• In Event: 47.060 - Using an Equity-Based Lens to Interrogate Curricula and Education Opportunities

Abstract

Xenophobic attitudes, the Muslim travel ban, and ICE deportations of Africans living in the United States highlight the significance and timeliness of centering African (immigrant) youth’s experiences in a culturally relevant/sustaining educational space. This paper focuses on the experiences of 21 1.5 and second generation high school youth from West Africa who participated in an Africa club during 2017-2018. Utilizing a culturally relevant/sustaining lens, we examine youth’s perspectives across five data sources. Three themes emerged: 1) challenging the societal curriculum and myths of misrepresentation of Africa/Africans, 2) understanding the history of race and racism in the United States, and 3) embracing positive language identities. Implications are drawn to support culturally relevant/sustaining pedagogies in classrooms and schools.

Authors

• Michelle G. Knight-Manuel, Teachers College, Columbia University

• Sandra Schmidt, Teachers College, Columbia University

• Nicole Limperopulos, Bank Street College of Education

• Jordana Bell, New York City Department of Education

• Dramane Ouedraogo, Teachers College, Columbia University