How Culturally Intelligent Teachers Can Transform the Educational Experience and Lives of African American Students

• In Event: Interdisciplinary Culturally Responsive Pedagogy: Centering African American Archives, Educators, Students, and Technology

Abstract

From 1619 to 1865 over 12.5 million Africans were enslaved, enduring horrific conditions. Even after the 13th amendment to the U.S. Constitution, Jim Crow practices traumatized generations of African Americans through violence, systemic, and structural racism.This long and ongoing history of discriminatory and dehumanizing laws, policies and practices contributed to inequalities for African Americans in every aspect of life including judicial, healthcare, housing, education, occupational mobility. African Americans continue to have higher rates of poverty, unemployment, incarceration, health care disparities and poorer educational opportunities. Deriving from ancestors who were not considered human but rather the property or commodity of another to present day police brutality, discrimination and racism, African Americans throughout generations, have suffered from cultural trauma and post-traumatic stress disorder. The construct of cultural intelligence (CQ) can help teachers to not only gain a better understanding and appreciation for cultural trauma and the stress that often impacts the daily lives of students of color; but also equip them to effectively interact and respond in a culturally intelligent manner to presenting challenges or emotional reactions.

Author

• Roblyn Lewter