Using African Diaspora Literacy to Heal and Restore the Souls of Young Black Children

Authors

  • Gloria Boutte University of South Carolina
  • George L. Johnson South Carolina State University
  • Kamania Wynter-Hoyte University of South Carolina
  • U. E. Uyoata University of Uyo, Nigeria

Abstract

This essay focuses on the revitalization of Indigenous African knowledges among people in the African Diaspora. Key themes include helping children and educators: 1) engage in leaning about African Diasporic history as a healing antidote against oppression; 2) imagine possibilities for a better world; 3) take reflective actions to interrupt ongoing oppression; and 4) organize and plan with others who are seeking to dismantle oppressive structures. We explain that teaching children from a primarily Eurocratic perspective creates a double sword which annihilates the spirits of Black children and other Children of Color, and which also promotes a sense of superiority among White children. We emphasize that teaching children and ourselves the rich legacies of African thought and morality can be a restorative and healing process-not only for African people, but for humanity at large  

Author Biographies

Gloria Boutte, University of South Carolina

Dept. of Instruction and Teacher Education

University of South Carolina

 

George L. Johnson, South Carolina State University

Associate Professor

School of Education

Kamania Wynter-Hoyte, University of South Carolina

Dept. of Instruction and Teacher Education
University of South Carolina

U. E. Uyoata, University of Uyo, Nigeria

Professor

Department of Early Chldhood and Special Education

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Published

2017-07-10

Issue

Vol. 6 No. 1 (2017): Special Issue 6(1) Confronting and Countering Bias and Oppression through Early Childhood Policy and Practice

Section

Articles (Peer Reviewed Research)

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