“Abolitionist teaching is welcoming struggles, setbacks, and disagreements, because one understands the complexity of uprooting injustice but finds beauty in the struggle” Dr. Bettina Love, p. 90 in We Want to Do More than Survive.
Freedom in education is the foundation for all liberation. How do we teach and activate belief systems around liberation? I do not have all the answers to these questions but do see how we can turn to the wisdom found in previous liberation struggles. The first two introduction posts look at memory and historical narratives as needing to be deconstructed through a critical lens and then how art is an expression of the self. The act of expressing and allowing oneself to be seen is a step towards personal liberation. Art is also felt. It accesses the unfelt senses, like creativity, wisdom, and intuition. By moving towards these internalized encounters, we learn more about who we are and what drives us. Knowing the self is a step towards liberation.
Liberation, as depicted in these artworks, show students taking control of their learning, of recognizing that the American classroom curriculum was not written for them. These young people know they belong and know their history is rich in culture, science, history, philosophy, etc. The students in War on the Benighted show an interest in learning about their revolutionary heroes. They see history as interconnected and not as a static timeline of historical events. So the Time & Memory Project seeks to expose hidden historical narratives for the purpose of a liberated future – through art! If it were only that simple, though.
The Tales of Red Rag Rosie by Shervone Neckles
I’m excited to share my ideas on these issues in this space, where art exemplifies the power of leaning into the pain and trauma of the past. Because so many lessons are folded into our cells, we are forced to relive these pains until we confront them. Art brings pain and trauma into the light, helping us find space in our bodies to receive its messages. This website is a space to confront these uncomfortable truths.
Additional Resources
Teaching to Transgress by bell hooks
Pedagogy of the Oppressed by Paulo Freire (free!! Just download the PDF)
Sing the Rhythm Dance the Blues by Monique Morris