Why Black Boys’ Sneakers Should Matter to Educators

Subject

Educators; Black Boys; Sneakers; Mentorship;

Description

After decades of reform initiatives, from the No Child Left Behind Act to the Every Student Succeeds Act, challenges persist for Black boys in their quest for academic freedom and success. Countless studies still conclude that being Black and male in America’s schools is a problem—many Black boys are dehumanized before they ever enter the classroom because of deeply entrenched stereotypes and biases.

In her abolitionist teaching pedagogical framework, Bettina Love emphasizes practices and approaches to teaching that aim to restore humanity for all students. One way to work toward restoring humanity for Black boys is to think outside the box when it comes to engagement tools.

For many Black boys, sneakers are statements that define their personality and character and speak to their self-worth and self-respect. I cannot help but recall an experience I had as a middle school principal that shifted my perspective on what engagement can mean for Black boys. One of our students, Jaylin, was walking extremely slow in the hall and working hard to stay out of the way of others. I said, “Jaylin, why are you walking like that? Shouldn’t you be in class already? You are wasting time.”

He responded, “Umm. I’m trying to make sure my Forces don’t get a crease in them.”

What I didn’t realize then was how sneakers can be an engagement tool in educators’ pursuit of justice for Black boys.

Creator

Phelton Moss

Source

https://www.ascd.org/blogs/why-black-boys-sneakers-should-matter-to-educators

Publisher

ascd.org

File