The History of Whiteness and How We Teach About Race

<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Historian Ed Baptist provides context on the creation and enforcement of a U.S. racial binary that endures today, as well as Black resistance as a force for political change. And Aisha White urges educators to ask themselves, “What did you learn about race when you were younger?” before they engage with children. She argues that self-reflection and ongoing education are vital tools to combat the fallacy of ignoring students’ racialized experiences.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Educators!</span> <a href= "https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1-p48ZxUJjecs40ZTCjqBXMlzf3l729OgvHrZx_Eayok/prefill" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Get a professional development certificate</span></a> <span style= "font-weight: 400;">for listening to this episode—issued by Learning for Justice. Listen for the code word, then visit</span> <a href= "https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1-p48ZxUJjecs40ZTCjqBXMlzf3l729OgvHrZx_Eayok/prefill" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><span style= "font-weight: 400;">tolerance.org/podcastpd</span></a><span style= "font-weight: 400;">.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">To start the conversation in your classroom, this overview of the</span> <a href= "https://nmaahc.si.edu/learn/talking-about-race/topics/historical-foundations-race" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><span style= "font-weight: 400;">“Historical Foundations of Race</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">” by David Roediger is a comprehensive and perfect for educators—from the National Museum of African American History & Culture.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">For younger learners,</span> <a href="https://www.racepride.pitt.edu/research/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><span style="font-weight: 400;">P.R.I.D.E.’s Research Findings</span></a> <span style="font-weight: 400;">offer valuable insights into child development and race. And elementary teachers may want to use this lesson—</span><a href= "https://www.learningforjustice.org/classroom-re