Sister Circles and Black Girl Magic

• In Event: Sheraton Roundtable Session 14
  In Roundtable Session: Envisioned Futures: Transformative Work With Young People

Abstract

This paper explored one Black woman educator's work with Black girls in a Bay Area urban high school. The class was created in response to the over suspension and disproportionate behavioral referrals for this population with simultaneous academic underperformance. Using care theory, critical race theory, and culturally responsive teaching as a conceptual framework, the researcher aimed to identify and interpret pedagogical practices that supported Black girls academically, emotionally, and spiritually. Through ethnography, the researcher observed and interviewed the teacher and students in a class designed to support Black girls. Findings include teacher practices of other mothering, culturally responsive pedagogy, and trauma informed teaching.

Author

• Laureen Adams, Claremont Graduate University