Singled Out: Educating Black Students in Predominately White Institutions

• In Event: But What About the Children? Black Education in America

Abstract

I will be exploring the challenges faced by Black students in predominately white schools, emphasizing the importance of culturally responsive and transformative educational practices. Drawing from Afrocentric education models, I will highlight how centering Black history, culture, and identity in the curriculum creates a sense of belonging and resilience among Black students. Integrating antiracist pedagogy will be discussed as a critical strategy for challenging systemic inequalities and biases that persist in educational institutions.
I will be placing a focus on Black language and literacy, recognizing Black linguistic traditions and advocating for educational spaces that honor and build upon students’ cultural capital. I will also explore the intersection of education and the criminal justice system, examining how the school-to-prison pipeline disproportionately impacts Black youth. By addressing these interrelated issues, I will propose strategies for creating equitable and inclusive learning environments that empower Black students and challenge institutional racism in education.

Author

• Elizabeth Kaylee Heinze, University of Wisconsin Oshkosh