Racial Equity and Diversity Curriculum: Grassroots Collectives for Social Justice

• In Event: Education Research Service Project Invited Poster Session

Abstract

Black Lives Matter Cincinnati is a community-based grassroots movement organized to fight for Black liberation and to improve local neighborhoods by defending the rights of oppressed populations. In an effort to provide a space where children can engage in discussions about race and racism in their own lives and explore their understanding of social justice, Black Lives Matter Cincinnati developed a K-2 curriculum program called Racial Equity and Diversity (READ). The goal of the six-week reading program is to promote racial equity and to encourage children to initiate an active role in changing their communities. The purpose of this project is to evaluate the implementation of the program and to ensure the curriculum is meeting Ohio State Social Studies Standards. The researchers will analyze field notes, observations, and student work samples to recommend best practice strategies for racial justice and to determine what additional support may be necessary for the program to achieve the desired outcomes of empowerment and racial empathy. The results of the project will not only assist Black Lives Matter Cincinnati with improving the program, it will also aid in identifying specific neighborhood concerns that may require further community engagement and collective action.

Authors

• Brittany A. Aronson, Miami University

• Mona Maria Jenkins, University of Cincinnati