The Power of Us: Radical Witnessing and Educator Narratives as Justice Praxis

• In Event: AERA Poster Session Friday 3:45pm
  In Poster Session: Critical Literacies and Educational Transformation

Abstract

The Power of Us is an oral history project that documents how justice-engaged educators and community leaders resist the political erasure and institutional suppression of equity work in education. Guided by Critical Race Theory and Community Cultural Wealth, the project treats counterstorytelling as an intervention. Early pilot interviews, shared publicly, reveal themes of moral injury, cultural erasure, fear, and collective resistance. Analysis reveals these initial insights alongside plans for the next phase: a participatory action research project co-designing a diverse and justice-focused digital archive. By bridging research, testimony, and organizing, storytelling functions as a tool for remedy, repair, and action.

Authors

• Raketa Ouedraogo-Thomas, University of North Carolina - Charlotte

• Sobeida Velazquez, University of San Diego

• Michelle Coleman, Dallas Independent School District

• Hannah Mesouani, University of San Diego

• Tommy Royston, Anavo Solutions