Racelighting Black Children: Insights Into the Early Years of School

• In Event: Sense of Belonging: School, Campus, and Classroom Climate

Abstract

This paper presents recommendations for early childhood educators on how to address experiences with racelighting. Racelighting occurs when gaslighting is racialized. Recommendations include three areas of caution for educators, including: 1) avoid making children feel as if they are the only ones who make mistakes; 2) avoid making children feel as if they deserve to be mistreated; and 3) avoid making children believe there is something wrong with them.

Authors

• J. Luke Wood, California State University - Sacramento

• Frank Harris, San Diego State University

• Idara R. Essien, San Diego State University