Our instructional equity framework begins with Awareness because we are committed to continually deepening our understanding of ourselves, the world around us, and the forces that have shaped where we are now. This work is not possible without acknowledging the dominant narratives influencing our curriculum and teaching practices. Whose stories are told? Whose voices are elevated and celebrated? Whose histories remain hidden? When certain perspectives are not included, what messages does that send?
Relearn
One way we are celebrating Black History Month is by diving into resources that help us expand our awareness, exploring Black stories of past, present, and future. This spirit of relearning is something we can carry with us year-round.
- MasterClass has made its Black History: The History You Weren’t Taught in School course free for the entire month of February. Watch video lectures from historians, authors, and activists.
- ARD continues its annual tradition of highlighting 28 Days of Black History. If you’re interested in learning how you can support equity and social justice in your daily life, consider subscribing to their regular year-long newsletter as well.
- The 1619 Project is now available to view as a docuseries on Hulu. Originally a publication from The New York Times by Nikole-Hannah Jones, the content has been reimagined and expanded into a six-episode program. Be sure to check out the viewing guide on the accompanying education materials website.
Rest
Amidst another challenging school year, stress and feelings of burnout are natural. Education is one layer of a system designed to be inequitable, and the work of disruption can be both inspiring and draining. We recognize that this work places a particular burden on Black minds and bodies. Who in our society can access the privilege of rest and recovery? How can we meet this moment in ways that fill us up and renew our sense of purpose?
This Black History Month, we turn to the work of Tricia Hersey, founder of The Nap Ministry. In her book, Rest is Resistance: A Manifesto, Hersey encourages us to reframe our relationship to productivity, reassess what makes us feel whole, and embrace the revolutionary power of rest as we work toward a more just world. For this week’s theme, join us by exploring the resources below from Black creatives, activists, and speakers. Please reach out to share any ideas we might have missed:
- Try the “Rest then Rise” Guided Meditation for Revolution from LobaLand x The Nap Ministry
- Read The Elemental Guide to Napping, a three-part special report available on Medium
- Listen to the Practice Episode of the Healing Justice Podcast with featured guest Tricia Hersey
- Hear from author and rest coach Octavia Raheem in recent video segments on Your Relationship With the Pause and the capacity of stillness to help us Remember Our Joy
- Watch Saundra Dalton-Smith’s TEDx talk about the difference between sleep and rest and ways to overcome rest deficits
Rhode Island
We would be remiss if we did not shine a spotlight on our home state. We encourage you to check out the resources below featuring local history and incredible members of our Rhode Island education community.
- Join the Rhode Island Black Heritage Society & U.S. Senator Jack Reed for a Celebration of Black History Month & Community Conversation on Teaching Black History in Our Schools (Monday, 2/27 at 9:00 a.m. at Rhode Island College). RSVP Here
- Explore lesson plans from the Rhode Island Historical Society and text resources on the Rhode Island Department of Education page related to the Underground Railroad, slavery, emancipation, the Gilded Age, civil rights, Black Power, and current events
- Help support the mission of Rhode Island School for Progressive Education (founded by Christine Alves), by volunteering, donating, or recommending a candidate for their certification programs
- Take action through youth-facilitated conversation & workshops from the experts at Diversity Talks and purchase a copy of the new book Terms & Conditions by founder & CEO Dr. Kiara Butler
- Connect with Freedom Dreams (founded by Simona Simpson-Thomas) for strategic thought partnership, new student pathways, and tailored coaching, all rooted in passing down the spirit of resilience, joy, and hope to our future generation of Black and Brown students
