Race in America is a problem in 2024. Race in the South is a big problem in 2024. While the 13th Amendment freed slaves in 1865, the Supreme Court Case of Brown V Board of Education ruled that separate facilities were inherited unequal facilities, and the Civil Rights Act of 1964 made it illegal to discriminate based on race. How far have we come as a nation? Saidiya Hartman refers to this as the "afterlife of slavery" in her book, Lose your Mother. The government can pass laws, but that does not change people's minds, attitudes or beliefs.
Knowledge and education can. The abolitionist and formerly enslaved Frederick Douglas one said, "It is easier to build strong children than to repair broken men". In Texas, I teach 11th grade US History 1877- present and Advanced Placement (AP)* U.S. History. I am also a professor at a local college teaching US History 1301 and 1302. However. these are all truly survey courses. I have no time to teach ANY topic in depth.
An elective course was recently created called African American Studies, and the College Board recently piloted AP African American studies. Wow, I thought, what an opportunity to be able to delve deeper into history and examine the significant contributions of African Americans to US History. I saw it as an opportunity to delve deeper and study a truer, fuller picture of American History.
Approaching colleagues and supervisors at both my public high school and college, their first comments were usually, "But you are White". I am. That is true. So what? What does that have to do with teaching a course on African American Studies? I have come to the understanding that their comment was essentially , "Why do you want to teach African American studies. How could that be important to you if you are white".
But really I am human, and most importantly, I and a teacher and student of History. I am an American.
While searching for Professional Development to help me prepare for this course, I came upon The Witness Tree Institute. I applied to their summer program and was accepted. I excitedly told friends, colleagues, students, parents and really anyone that would listen about this wonderful opportunity and how excited I was. Again, I was met with the comment "But you are White.”
Tete and Elizabeth Cobblah, co-founders of Witness Tree Institute of Ghana
How can I truly understand and teach about the African American experience without learning first hand the stories and voices of African Americans? If I were to teach US government, wouldn't professional development at the White House, Congress or Supreme Court teach me so much more and make me a much better teacher? Of course it would. And would anyone question me? I believe not.
I go back to Frederick Douglass' quote. As a teacher and global citizen, I want to raise strong kids, so future society does not have to repair broken men. That's how I see my job as a teacher.
So, now I am in Ghana. By the way, you do know there are White Africans? Yes I am the minority when I look around me. That is the experience of many African Americans in the U.S. - I view it as experiential learning.
Everyone I have met in Ghana is so warm and welcoming. We have had great conversations and great experiences. I have learned so much about Ghana, the people and the culture. The American teachers and Ghanaian teachers have sat around and realized that kids are kids all over the world. We have similar concerns as teachers. However, in Ghana, no one has said to me "But you are White".
Monica Lynn Pohovich teaches history and social studies at Sandra Day O'Connor HS, Helotes, Texas and Northwest Vista College, San Antonio, Texas
* Advanced Placement (AP) courses allow students to take a college level course in High School. At the end if the year they take an AP test. If they pass the test, they receive free college credits.