Cinematic Intersections Series (Get Out): Don’t Talk About It. Be About It #BlackJoy

Session Type: Invited Speaker Session

Abstract

In the film, “Get Out” the façade of love, friendship, care and concern was often used to convince characters to willingly enter spaces of horror. What seems to be a space of welcome, ultimately turns out to be an environment of terror. Intersecting with the major themes of love and betrayal portrayed in the film, this session situates the idea and promise of “education” as one of the major social betrayals for Black people in America. The research explored in this session wrestles with the concept of educational love and commitment--exploring the difference between fake and espoused values versus true and authentic educational service. It reiterates cultural violence in education as a form of spirit murder and calls for education scholars to assume responsibility for perpetuating these cultures of violence. But it also moves us forward in the path to leading, teaching and researching differently and in a way that demonstrates true and authentic commitment to Black people and Black students. Regardless of epistemology or ontology, educational scholarship typically centers Black experience in what was/is done to Black people. Affirming the reality that Black people have continually excelled and invented, this session demonstrates what can be learned from Black cultural frames of reference. Drawing on the work of Black emancipatory tradition scholars (DuBois, 1903; Fanon, 1952/2008, 1963; Hilliard, 2009; King, 1991, 1992, 2005; Lynn, 1999; Lynn, Jennings, & Hughes, 2013; Woodson, 1933/1990), this session is an interactive and celebrates Black joy and creative realities of Black people as a model for transformative, liberatory education and scholarship. The arts and humanities are used in this session to honor the historical and contemporary examples of Black joy as pedagogical and scholarly practices.

Sub Unit

• AERA Presidential Session

Chair

• Daniella Ann Cook, University of South Carolina - Columbia

Participants

• Eliza G. Braden, University of South Carolina - Columbia

• Michelle Lorraine Bryan, University of South Carolina - Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

• Gloria S. Boutte, University of South Carolina

• Daniella Ann Cook, University of South Carolina - Columbia

• Susi Long, University of South Carolina

• Toni M. Williams, University of South Carolina

• Kamania Wynter-Hoyte, University of South Carolina

• Michael Canty, Ye Nyame Dance Ensemble

• Tremontenia Morgan, Ye Nyame Dance Ensemble

• Jalaiya Frazier, Ye Nyame Dance Ensemble