African American History and Its Visual Portrayal in Textbooks

• In Event: Critical Studies in the Social Studies

Abstract

The aim of this study is to investigate the visual portrayal of African American history within textbooks focusing primarily on the tone they present said history in. Using a theoretical framework which consists of tenants of Critical Race Theory (CRT) and Black Critical Theory (BlackCrit), authors examine the visual portray of African American history in a state-adopted textbook through the lens of anti-Blackness Education Theory (ABET). This qualitative case study richly describes the effects of imagery and the implications for students’ understanding of African American history. Findings offer evidence of how African American history is negatively depicted.

Authors

• Tina Lane Heafner, University of North Carolina - Charlotte

• Antoinette ML Rochester, University of North Carolina - Charlotte