Critical Race Theory? Or Critical Race Teachings?
It all started when I heard about an author named Jerry Craft having his book New Kid banned from schools for forwarding the ideas of Critical Race Theory. Having seen the book before, I could not for the life of me understand what the parents who wanted the book banned could possibly be upset about. In trying to understand, I went down a bit of a rabbit hole and found a This American Life episode all about it. As I listened I got more and more and more upset. I went online and I bought some of his books and the books of other authors of color who had their books banned too so I could read them and then donate them to libraries. Fight fire with fire! Right?
Aside from being an outlet for my righteous anger, It didn't make me feel much better. Around the same time, I started following as many interesting people outside of my own demographic and echo chamber as I could to try to listen - really listen- with a curious mind and open heart.
Then something interesting happened.
I saw a post on LinkedIn about a class being offered by a Black History Teacher named Ernest Crim III, M.A. called Critical Race Teachings: An Introduction to Black History
So I signed up and I am so glad I did. The classes have been both emotional and informative - and the "homework" (which Mr. Crim calls our "lifework") is to share what we learn with others. I'll admit, it can be scary to share. I ask myself, "What if I don't say it right and end up white centering, or inflicting a microaggression? What if I am perceived as doing performative activism?" but I have come to an uneasy peace on this. If I make a mistake I will learn from it - to be silent is worse.
While I could write and entire article (or three!) on what I have learned so far, I would rather encourage you to learn directly from Mr. Crim - he is the one with the lived experience and the professional credentials (and you can join in whenever! see the link in the course title above!) I do however want to share with you three of the terms Mr. Crim uses in our Class Affirmation and three of the rules we have in our Shared Agreements because they can be applied to being anti-racist or be applied to being a good leader and mentor:
Sankofa. We reach back as we climb.
Ubuntu. I am because you are. I cannot be unless you are.
Ma’at. We are committed to bringing Truth, Justice, Balance, Order, Compassion, Harmony, and Reciprocity to our world.
Listen to understand. This means not just listening to respond but listening with curiosity about other's experiences.
No blame, no shame, no guilt. We have to put these aside in order to meet one another where we are. (and as my Mamma always told me, guilt is only good if it propels us to more useful and charitable actions)
Oops and Ouch. This is my favorite. Sometimes we say something we don't realize will hurt others. Sometimes we are on the receiving end of that hurt. It's ok. We need to acknowledge in both cases, so we can move forward.
I find these to be such gentle, inspiring guides to what can be a tough learning journey. If you would like to know more about Mr. Crim, do join our class or check out his book which you can find here.