Anti-Blackness in Educational Systems

$0.00

Anti-Blackness in education is neither new nor accidental—it’s rooted in historical policies, cultural biases, and institutional structures that persist to this day. This workshop traces the foundations of anti-Blackness in schools, uncovering how these legacies continue to impact Black students, educators, and communities. Through guided reflection and discussion, participants will examine present-day manifestations of anti-Blackness in curriculum, discipline practices, and institutional culture, ultimately building strategies for transformative, pro-Black advocacy within their spheres of influence.

Anti-Blackness in education is neither new nor accidental—it’s rooted in historical policies, cultural biases, and institutional structures that persist to this day. This workshop traces the foundations of anti-Blackness in schools, uncovering how these legacies continue to impact Black students, educators, and communities. Through guided reflection and discussion, participants will examine present-day manifestations of anti-Blackness in curriculum, discipline practices, and institutional culture, ultimately building strategies for transformative, pro-Black advocacy within their spheres of influence.

Key Focus Areas

  1. Historical Foundations

    • Understand how colonial and segregation-era policies shaped educational systems, laying the groundwork for present-day inequities.

  2. Contemporary Manifestations

    • Identify the subtle and overt ways anti-Blackness shows up in curricular content, staffing, discipline procedures, and more.

  3. Pro-Black Advocacy & Transformation

    • Develop tangible steps for dismantling anti-Black policies and practices, centering Black voices, and fostering genuinely inclusive environments.

Who Should Attend

  • Educators & School Administrators
    Seeking to address systemic barriers that disproportionately harm Black students and staff.

  • Curriculum Developers & Department Leads
    Interested in revising educational materials and pedagogical approaches to reflect Black experiences accurately and affirmatively.

  • District Officials & Policy Makers
    Committed to equitable policy reforms that ensure pro-Black practices at all levels of the educational system.

  • Community Advocates & Parents
    Wanting to champion stronger accountability, transparency, and cultural responsiveness in schools.

Learning Objectives

  1. Historical Contextualization

    • Gain a thorough understanding of how anti-Blackness has been embedded in schooling systems, from segregation to modern-day inequities.

  2. Critical Reflection & Analysis

    • Use reflexive questions to investigate personal and institutional biases, examining how they perpetuate anti-Blackness.

  3. Strategic Advocacy

    • Develop actionable, pro-Black strategies—such as culturally sustaining pedagogy, community engagement, and policy reforms—to create transformative educational spaces.

Why It Matters

Anti-Blackness isn’t simply an individual bias; it’s a systemic issue that demands systemic solutions. By addressing its historical roots and current expressions, schools can move beyond superficial reforms toward genuine equity and liberation for Black students and educators. When Black futures are protected and celebrated, everyone in the learning community benefits from a richer, more inclusive educational landscape.

Is This Workshop for You?

  • Are you concerned about the opportunity gap and its disproportionate impact on Black students?
    We’ll explore how entrenched inequalities contribute to limited resources, rigorous tracking systems, and biased perceptions of student potential.

  • Have you noticed that disciplinary practices often target Black students more harshly?
    This session will illuminate how zero-tolerance and other punitive models stem from anti-Black assumptions, and propose restorative alternatives.

  • Do you want to actively decolonize your curriculum and learning materials?
    We’ll discuss pro-Black curriculum design that elevates Black voices and experiences while challenging Eurocentric norms.

  • Ready to collaborate with communities in dismantling systemic anti-Blackness?
    We’ll offer frameworks for building accountability, trust, and genuine partnership with Black families, students, and local organizations.

If these challenges resonate—or if you’re dedicated to championing Black joy, empowerment, and safety in educational environments—this workshop equips you with the historical insight and forward-facing strategies to make lasting change.