It might be all a matter of semantics, but as education is the basis for the future of our nation – is there any particular reason why we still need to use the term ‘Black?’ I understand that this is how we, in North America have come to socialize ourselves, as Black , or (white) – and everyone else is somewhere in between. I don’t even know what a ‘black’ education means. I don’t understand what being ‘black’ truly entails. I cannot seem to align what the ideas of ‘black’ culture are with my education – my life. Using ‘Afrocentric’ and ‘Black’ intermittently is not acceptable.
As a student, I am not as interested in the integration of African history into mainstream curriculum , as I am the revision and or removal of all historic literature that is untrue and biased. Canadian history has plenty for everyone. I would not expect to move to France and receive African history as a part of the general curriculum. I can relate to African history as much as I can the history of Greece. And the last time I checked, Africa was a pretty big place.
The fact is, i’m not African. There are 53 countries in Africa. I don’t have one single family member going back at least 4 or 5 generations that derive form any of those beautiful countries. I am curious as to how many of the ‘students at risk’ are.
Alternative curriculums and innovative change in the educational system to reflect the needs of our society as it is – not as it was – might be a more progressive approach. However, it appears that our elders are still stuck in the past and unfortunately they are the ones directing us. Due to their short sightedness – even if these alternative programs are put in place, it will just be seen as a ‘black’ program – for ‘black’ people who cannot learn the way everyone else does because of the amount of melanin in their skin. We have a very, very long way to go.
Hoping for a more intelligent society in the future,
Denise
