“I Can Always Make a Difference”: The Impact of Black Joy on Identity Formation in the Freedom School Environment

• In Event: Sunday Roundtable Session 1:15 pm
  In Roundtable Session: Transformations Across Curriculum, Language, and Culture (Table 16)

Abstract

Our research explored how aspects of the Schomburg Freedom School curriculum and environment, which centered on Black Joy, affect the scholars in attendance. We found that the Schomburg Freedom School utilizes Black Joy to create a rich canopy of positive identity formation practices. Using ethnographic classroom observations and semi-structured, focus group interviews with scholars, scholars' parents, and site staff, we captured examples of how Black Joy helped scholars develop confidence, perseverance, and pride through social and emotional learning opportunities. Considering our findings, we believe that through intentional design, we can create educational spaces and inform teaching practices that authentically utilize Black Joy to support academic and identify formation success of Black student populations within and beyond traditional educational institutions.

Authors

• Deandra West, University of Florida

• Michael A. Scofield, University of Florida

• Chonika Coleman-King, University of Florida

• Natalya Green, University of Florida

• Taryrn T.C. Brown, University of Florida

• Thacher Tracion Loutin, University of Florida