Part of the Graduate School of Education
Black History Nerds Saturday School
Black History Nerds Saturday school is our monthly professional development series for pre-K-12 school teachers and others interested in learning more about Black history and race. These one-hour sessions aim to help develop Black history content pedagogical knowledge. Professional development credits are possible.
Upcoming Sessions
Presentation Abstract
In this presentation, we will explore Black women’s geography by digging into the life and activism of civil rights activist Fannie Lou Hamer to learn and teach the history of Black farmers in the United States.
Virtual Presentation
Session: “Hands that pick cotton now pick public officials”: Black women’s geography and the activism of Fannie Lou Hamer”
Feb. 11, 2023
Time: 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. EST
PRESENTED BY:
Dr. Amanda Vickery
Associate Professor of Social Studies Education/Race in Education
University of North Texas
Presentation Abstract
Fear has shaped events throughout U.S. history, as those who have possessed fear have weaponized this emotion to justify violence and oppression while others have used fear as an impetus for radical resistance. I aim to move fear from the periphery to the forefront by analyzing how fear is discussed in Virginia’s U.S. History Standards and Curriculum Framework. The standards only describe fear as an emotion possessed by white people, the inclusion of Black suffering does not lead to Black fear, and Black people do not fear. This work illuminates the importance of examining emotions, particularly fear, in social studies education and has implications for both K–12 teachers and teacher education.
Virtual Presentation
Session: “Why aren't Black people allowed to fear in U.S. history?”
Feb. 18, 2023
Time: 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. EST
PRESENTED BY:
Brittany Jones
PhD Candidate
Michigan State University
Presentation Abstract
Black oral histories are a good way to teach Black history. In this session, Dr. James-Gallaway will give an introduction to Black oral histories and then provide some robust virtual archives/resources for classroom use. Last, she will not a couple ways Black oral histories can be used in the classroom.
Virtual Presentation
Session: “What you heard? Teaching with oral histories of Black America”
Feb. 25, 2023
Time: 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. EST
PRESENTED BY:
Dr. ArCasia James-Gallaway
Assistant Professor
Texas A&M University
Presentation Abstract
This session addresses 3 major myths of the Civil Rights Movement, compares activism then with the Black Lives Matter Movement of today, and then talks about how people might better engage this history in their own lives.
Virtual Presentation
Session: “Social justice in Historical Context”
March 4, 2023
Time: 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. EST
PRESENTED BY:
Dr. Ashley Farmer
Associate Professor
University of Texas at Austin
Past Sessions
Presentation Abstract
Educational research has demonstrated that culture is the key—the critical mediating factor in increasing student success for African American students. However, most African American students matriculate through systems of schooling that omit the unique culture, contributions, and accomplishments of Black people. This engaging and interactive presentation connects the legacy of past cultural excellence with strategies and methods teachers can use to produce excellence today. It provides cutting edge research and visual documentation of little-known accomplishments and contributions of African and African American people in various fields of study.
Presentation Abstract
Within seven months, Black residents in the city of Buffalo experienced two unfortunate tragedies–a mass shooting and a winter storm. Surviving both a white supremacist attack and an environmental catastrophe, the Black community in Buffalo has been forced to reconcile with the paradox of how Black suffering and violence can coexist in a “City of Good Neighbors.” When scholar-activists J Coley, Tiana Wilson, William Jamal Richardson, and Dr. Robert Mays released the #BuffaloSyllabus, they intended to provide historical, social, political, and economic contextualization of Black Buffalo today. Described as a “Love Letter to Buffalo,” the co-creators of the syllabus intentionally designed an online platform that would permanently house accessible resources for people interested in the relationship between race, gender, class, urban planning, and environmental justice. Their talk will explore how academics can use institutional networks for public scholarship and community engagement. In their presentation, they will discuss the origin and development story of the #BuffaloSyllabus and their aspirations for the future use of this educational resource.
