Critical Race Theory and the Legacy of Black Educational Thought

• In Event: In the Spirit of Sankofa: Black Educational Thought in These Troubling Times

Abstract

Purpose: The relationship between the field of education and Critical Race Theory (CRT) has been explored, both theoretically and empirically, for more than 30 years. We discuss CRT’s decades-long use in education by digging up its historical roots in Black education thought. In addition, we discuss why this grounding is especially important to explore today. Lastly, we consider CRT’s future contribution to Black educational thought and to notions of liberation.
Perspective: CRT forms the theoretical perspective of our paper.
Modes of inquiry and data sources: We mine the vast literature on CRT (especially as it has been used in education) to conduct our theoretical exploration.
Conclusions: CRT continues the long and continuing development of Black educational thought, and it remains as relevant today as it always has been.
Significance: In the face of current acts of deliberate distortion of CRT and in the face of ongoing attacks on teaching about Black lives, the significance of our exploration could not be greater.

Authors

• Adrienne D. Dixson, Pennsylvania State University

• Gloria J. Ladson-Billings, University of Wisconsin - Madison