Now more than ever it is important that educators, across the nation, are acknowledging the experiences of their Black students and the families they come from. For instance, Dr. Joy Degruy – in her book Post Traumatic Slave Syndrome (2017) – notes the importance of symbolic imagery in and understanding the preeminence of relationships when teaching Black students.
She explains: “If a picture is worth a thousand words, from the African perspective the lessons that can be learned from stories and analogies are worth a thousand pictures. Throughout Africa storytellers hold an esteemed place in the community. They are the repositories of knowledge. They are the teachers…The oral tradition has been passed along and is evident in African American culture today” (26). Perhaps this is why lyricists such Biggie Smalls, Nas, Jay-Z, NWA, Warren G, and Tupac are classics and highly revered in the Hip Hop community.
In terms of relationship, her claim is simple: “Situations involving family or close friends will often take precedence over attendance at school, work, meetings, etc., regardless of the consequences” (21).
The list of books below was created to be a resource for individuals – regardless of race – who work with predominately Black communities and to offer best-practices for educators. Whether you’ve been in education ten, twenty years, are anticipating a better year-two or entering your first year in education, these books all have something to teach or remind you!
If you are particularly fond of a book that isn’t on the list please share it. I’ll be uploading this list throughout the 2020-21 school year.
Discussion Worthy 