Jul 5, 2022 6:05:17 PM
As I sit here and reflect on this Fourth of July, I once again find myself conflicted with the moral and ethical compass of America. Then again, these conflicted feelings have served as a constant part of my lived experience as a Black man in America. Every time I read Frederick Douglass’ famous “What, to the Slave, is the Fourth of July?” speech, it sadly confirms the fact that not much has changed in our nation since Douglass delivered that speech one hundred seventy years ago.
When Douglass openly expressed that he is “not included within the pale of this glorious anniversary” and that “your high independence only reveals the immeasurable distance between us,” he eloquently articulated the feelings that many Black, Indigenous, and other people of color feel about this national holiday. To take it a step further, the educator in me feels compelled to investigate this issue by posing the following questions:
In this politically charged climate, we find ourselves in, it’s crazy to think that Douglass’ speech is a prime example of culturally relevant, antiracist content that many red states are fighting legislatively to keep students from learning in their schools. Although I’m currently living abroad in Sierra Leone and not teaching in the classroom, I still feel for the Black teachers and students who still must go through these challenges.
I’m fully aware of the privilege that my son has to be in a school where he has the freedom to learn about his culture, as well as those of his classmates. Being abroad, my wife and I don’t have to worry about the fear of losing our son to gun violence or fighting against laws that will dehumanize him and interfere with his learning.
The optimist in me still hopes for the day when being Black in America will not equate to a death sentence and our schools will be spaces where the full humanity of Black children will be honored and nurtured.
Kwame Sarfo-Mensah is the founder of Identity Talk Consulting, LLC., an independent educational consulting firm that provides professional development and consulting services globally to educators who desire to enhance their instructional practices and reach their utmost potential in the classroom. He is the author of two books, "Shaping the Teacher Identity: 8 Lessons That Will Help Define the Teacher in You" and his latest, "From Inaction to 'In Action': Creating a New Normal for Urban Educators". Throughout his 14-year career as a middle school math educator, author, and entrepreneur, Kwame has been on a personal mission to uplift and empower educators who are committed to reversing the ills of the public education system in America and around the world. As a staunch ambassador and advocate for teacher empowerment, Kwame has spoken at numerous national education conferences and worked diligently to support the recruitment and retention of teachers of color in the education system. In January 2019, he was one of 35 Massachusetts teachers of color chosen by Commissioner Jeff Riley to be in the inaugural cohort of the InSPIRED (In-Service Professionals Increasing Racial and Ethnic Diversity) Fellowship, an initiative organized by the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education for veteran teachers of color to recruit students of color at the high school, undergraduate and graduate levels to teach in targeted districts within the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. As an InSPIRED Teaching Fellow, Kwame facilitated professional development workshops for aspiring teachers at universities such as Boston College, UMass Boston, and Worcester State University and has served as a guest speaker for non-profit teacher pipeline programs such as Generation Teach and Worcester Public Schools’ Future Teachers Academy. A proud graduate of Temple University, Kwame holds a bachelor's degree in mathematics and a master's degree in education. He was honored as the 2019 National Member of the Year by Black Educators Rock, Inc. for his unwavering commitment to the advancement of the teacher profession.
The story you tell yourself about your own math ability tends to become true. This isn’t some Oprah aphorism about attracting what you want from the universe. Well, I guess it kind of is, but...
If you have a child with disabilities, you’re not alone: According to the latest data, over 7 million American schoolchildren — 14% of all students ages 3-21 — are classified as eligible for special...
The fight for educational equity has never been just about schools. The real North Star for this work is providing opportunities for each child to thrive into adulthood. This means that our advocacy...
Your donations support the voices who challenge decision makers to provide the learning opportunities all children need to thrive.
Ed Post is the flagship website platform of brightbeam, a 501(c3) network of education activists and influencers demanding a better education and a brighter future for every child.
© 2020–2024 brightbeam. All rights reserved.
Leave a Comment