Extending the Vision: Harvard’s Black Teacher Archive Cultivation and Steps towards Building Emerging Scholars

• In Event: AERA Roundtable Session Thursday 3:35 pm Four Seasons Ballroom 1
  In Roundtable Session: Part II: Excavating Black Teacher Historiographies and the Need for Archival Justice in Educational Equity (Table 7)

Abstract

The Black Teacher Archive, created by renowned historians Dr. Jarvis Givens and Dr. Imani Perry, is a publicly accessible digital archive research tool. The resource illuminates the history of African American education, specifically highlighting the significant role of Colored Teacher Associations (CTA’s). These professional organizations, active for over 60 years in 17 southern states, supported Black teachers, principals and community members in their effort to uplift and first Black excellence in education. Despite their impact, the dismissal process obscured the artifacts of their work for years. The archive builds upon the groundwork laid by Givens’ award-winning book “Fugitive Pedagogy” and Perry’s groundbreaking historical narratives, bringing a realistic perspective to the research area. By preserving and presenting these hidden histories, the Black Teacher Archive serves as a crucial tool for understanding the complex legacy of African- American education and the enduring spirit of Black educators in the face of systemic challenges.

Author

• Micha Broadnax, Harvard University