Because We See Us: (Re)Claiming, (Re)Centering, and (Re)Affirming Blackness in Education

Session Type: Symposium

Abstract

Systemic antiblackness is the structural violence targeted at Black people, whereas anti-Black(ness) racism is the dehumanizing impact of systemic antiblackness on the everyday lives of Black people as manifested through dominant culture’s ideologies, language, actions, community contexts, and enacted practices (Author, 2023). To effectively challenge systemic antiblackness and anti-Black racism, (re)imagine Blackness in education, and meet the needs of Black Scholars and Educators, we must (re)claim and (re)center our deeply rooted identities, histories, and educational journeys as Black and African ascendant peoples (Dillard, 2012). Given the above, our symposium examines the ontoepistemological and methodological realities, challenges, and possibilities within our research, teaching, and leadership contexts when seeking to (re)claim and (re)center Blackness in education.

Sub Unit

• SIG-Research Focus on Black Education

Chair

• Kiese Vita, California State University - East Bay

Papers

• On Becoming an Endarkened Spiritual Alchemist: (Re)Centering My Own Brilliance as a Blackness-Affirming Praxis - Kiese Vita, California State University - East Bay

• (Re)Affirming Blackness as a Radical, Engaging, Authentic, and Loving Leadership Praxis - Monique Walton, California State University - East Bay

• I Too, Sing America: (Re)Claiming Blackness Through Exploring the Experiences of Black Male Filmmakers - Charles Opong, Loyola Marymount University

Discussant

• Tyisha J Noise, Los Angeles County of Education