Race Conscious Pedagogy: Disrupting Racism at Majority White Schools

W.E.B. Du Bois's 1935 question about separate schools for blacks still relevant today, as educators overlook the implications of his question. This book explores the role of K-12 education in perpetuating racial tensions and calls for race to be placed at the center of the pedagogical mission.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 193 pages
Publication date: 30 November 2020
Publisher: McFarland & Co Inc

In 1935, W.E.B. Du Bois posed a profound and thought-provoking question that resonated deeply: "Does the Negro need separate schools?" This query addressed the issue of cultural relevancy in the classroom and the subtle assurances being given to White supremacy through curricula and pedagogy. It shed light on the erasure of diverse perspectives and the perpetuation of stereotypes.

Two decades later, as the Supreme Court ordered public schools to desegregate, educators still failed to fully grasp the implications of Du Bois's question. This book serves as a reflection on the role of K-12 education in perpetuating America's enduring racial tensions. By combining historical analysis, personal experiences, and a theoretical exploration of critical race pedagogy, the book advocates for the centrality of race in the pedagogical mission.

Du Bois's question highlighted the need for a more inclusive and equitable education system that recognizes and celebrates the diversity of its students. It called for educators to challenge the dominant narratives and promote a more comprehensive understanding of history and society. The book emphasizes the importance of placing race at the center of the pedagogical mission to foster empathy, understanding, and social change.

By examining the historical and contemporary implications of Du Bois's question, this book offers valuable insights into the ongoing struggle for racial equality in education. It challenges educators to examine their own biases and assumptions and work towards creating classrooms that are inclusive, respectful, and equitable for all students. It also provides a roadmap for policymakers and educators to develop policies and practices that promote diversity, equity, and inclusion in education.

In conclusion, W.E.B. Du Bois's question "Does the Negro need separate schools?" remains a relevant and urgent concern today. This book serves as a call to action for educators, policymakers, and society as a whole to recognize the importance of race in education and work towards creating a more inclusive and equitable learning environment for all students.

Weight: 320g
Dimension: 151 x 224 x 16 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781476680330