“We Gon’ Be Alright” Cultivating Racial Healing Through Transformative Pedagogy

• In Event: I’m Down With Black and Brown: Black and Brown Experiences With Whiteness, Children’s Literature, and Teacher Retention

Abstract

This study examines preparing pre-service teachers for the evolving racial landscape of education through racial healing. Racial healing encompasses recognizing racial identity, biases, racism's impacts, and fostering relationships. The recent legislative actions targeting DEI underscore the urgency of equipping future educators with the knowledge, skills, and awareness to address issues of race in the classroom. This study adopts Critical Race Structuralism and Social Identity Development Theory to examine racial healing within the educational system. Aligning with the conference theme, this study focuses on developing race-conscious and culturally responsive educators. The study supports the broader goal of creating a more just and equitable educational system.

Authors

• Deneen S. Dixon-Payne, Towson University

• Tamera D. Moore, Charleston Southern University

• Marcia J. Watson-Vandiver, Towson University

• Greg Wiggan, University of North Carolina - Charlotte