Teaching Black Students Their History and How to Be Entrepreneurs Fulfilled My Lifelong Dream
On my very first day of elementary school, I glanced around and had the realization that I was the sole Black girl in a school filled with white students. The only other Black individuals present in the school were my older brother and a family friend’s son.
During my time in kindergarten, I experienced bullying due to the color of my skin and the texture of my hair. One day, I reached my breaking point and decided to approach my teacher about it. Unfortunately, instead of coming to my aid, she informed my mother that I was "overly sensitive" and needed to develop a thicker skin. Rather than reprimanding the students whose bullying stemmed from racism, she placed the burden of change on me.
It was at that moment when I realized that I had a calling to become a teacher.
The notion that I had to modify myself to ensure the comfort of white individuals has been a recurring theme throughout my educational journey. I often found myself being questioned about my abilities. For instance, during my sophomore year, my math teacher doubted whether I belonged in her class simply because she couldn’t fathom that I had achieved straight A’s in geometry over the summer. In history class, my teacher predominantly focused on the accomplishments of old white men and their conquests around the globe.
After school, I would return home and dive into books centered around Black history. It was then that I came to the realization that teaching history was my true passion. Despite constantly facing microaggressions and encountering anti-Black rhetoric throughout my K-12 schooling, I managed to graduate within the top 10% of my class. This accomplishment allowed me to attend college on a full-ride softball scholarship, even after my coach had explicitly told me that I would never play at the Division 1 level.
Lately, a thought has been circulating on social media: "At what age did you have your first Black teacher?" My answer would be during college. Following my K-12 experiences, I determined that attending a Historically Black College or University would be the best fit for me. Enrolling at Hampton University was an incredible experience that stands out in my life. I felt genuinely celebrated as an individual both in the classroom and on the softball field. My performance surpassed anything I had achieved during my K-12 years, largely due to the support and mentorship of Black educators. This philosophy of Black history representing American history became the driving force behind my own classroom when I embarked on my teaching career after completing my master’s degree in secondary history education.
When I began my journey as a teacher, my intent was to return to the school district where I grew up and serve as a role model for those who shared my background. I never wanted another Black student to endure the same struggles I faced while growing up. My first position involved being an onsite substitute and a freshman softball coach in my former high school. I felt an overwhelming sense of joy. Many students looked at me with wide eyes, as they had never encountered a Black teacher before. In that moment, I knew I had made the right decision.
However, after two years, the same racial prejudices I experienced as a student began to drive me away from teaching. I was constantly told to put on a smile every 30 seconds to make others (particularly white staff members) feel at ease. Moreover, my colleagues believed that I had only been hired because I was Black and had connections. They refused to recognize the value of my master’s degree, convinced that I lacked the necessary qualifications. Additionally, my principal actively worked against me, preventing me from securing positions in my hometown. As a result, I had no choice but to relocate and find a job at a small charter school. I felt crushed and defeated, as it seemed that once again, racism was obstructing me from fulfilling the important work I knew needed to be done.
Yet, 16 years later, I find myself embarking on my 17th year at that same charter school. Through my role as a teacher, I have been able to positively impact the lives of over 1,000 students, many of whom share my background. I have empowered them with the knowledge of their own history and instilled in them the understanding that it is an integral part of American history. Additionally, I have equipped them with the tools of entrepreneurship with the assistance of the Network for Teaching Entrepreneurship. Through this program, my students develop their own business plans and present their ideas at regional and national competitions.
Upon graduating high school, my students possess the knowledge and skills necessary to take control of their own lives and shape their own narratives. As a Black teacher, my mission is to ensure that my students understand their importance and recognize their power. Black teachers play an essential role in the success of young Black children, who need to see themselves represented in the curriculum as well as in positions of leadership. It is crucial for them to understand that anything is possible. Especially during these challenging times, I implore all parents, educators, and school districts to prioritize the well-being and success of Black students, teachers, and staff. Only by doing so can we ensure the prosperity of our educational communities.
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