Hush Harbors: The Pedagogical Possibilities of Youth Third Spaces for Classrooms and Schools

Session Type: Symposium

Abstract

Patricia Williams (1987) argued that racism is more than just physical pain; racism robs Black and Brown people of their humanity and dignity, leaving personal, psychological, and spiritual injuries. Many of these dark children, find solace in hush harbors, safe spaces created that center and honor their varied identities. This session will present evidence that making space for and creating hush harbors in partnership with these youth has the potential to support the creation of classrooms that are liberatory, culturally relevant, equitable, and excellent. This panel will present the works of scholar activists with Black youth in safe spaces, demonstrating how “we must change our intellectual structures, definitions and assumptions; then we can release teacher power” (Hilliard, 1997, p. 33).

Sub Unit

• Division K - Teaching and Teacher Education / Division K - Section 04: Multicultural, Inclusive, and Social Justice Frameworks in PK-16+ Settings

Chair

• Gholnecsar E. Muhammad, Georgia State University

Papers

• A Case Study Exploring BlackQueer Youth Agency in New York City's Ballroom Scene - Shamari Reid, The University of Oklahoma

• Safe Space in the Last Option: What K–12 Educators Can Learn From Cultivating Sisterhood With Black Girls in Second-Chance Schools - Erica B. Edwards, Wayne State University

• Black Girl Third Spaces and Educational Empowerment - Sherell A. McArthur, University of Georgia - Athens

• A Place for Us: An Ethnodrama of Black Girls' Life Notes on Urban Schooling - Cathryn A. Devereaux, Teachers College, Columbia University

Discussant

• Sherell A. McArthur, University of Georgia - Athens