Advancing a Multilingual and Transnational Ethos for Black Linguistic Reparations in Urban Education

• In Event: AERA Roundtable Session Friday 9:50 am Four Seasons Ballroom 4
  In Roundtable Session: Exploring Transnational Perspectives and Experiences (Table 5)

Abstract

In this conceptual essay, I argue that the current moment presents a unique opportunity to position Black Englishes as a mechanism for adopting a transnational ethos steeped in a global multilingual imperative that responds to the call for Black Linguistic Reparations and thus, further advances the goals of urban education. Attending to Black Englishes as a function of the typologies of urban education -- “Urban Intensive", “Urban Emergent”, and “Urban Characteristic” -- across local, national, and transnational boundaries, this paper highlights the significance of recognizing Black Englishes as a globally legitimate multilingual heuristic for advancing the meaning-making assets of students in K-20 urban education, not only when leveraged by Black communities but also when used by individuals at large.

Author

• Patriann Smith, University of South Florida