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Five Project-Based Learning Examples that Unveil the Racist Foundations of Education
By Gwen Levee and Dr. Benjamin M. Drury
Education has been a pillar of American society even before it was formally recognized as such. Teachers and schools have often perpetuated and reinforced systemic racism throughout history using the veil of knowledge sharing to conceal their true motives. By examining the erasure and distortion of Black history, specifically the significance of Juneteenth, it becomes evident that the racist foundations of education have hindered the pursuit of true equality. On the day following June 19th, 2023, we want to continue to shed light on the racist aspects embedded within the educational system, emphasizing the urgency for comprehensive teaching of Black history to challenge and dismantle systemic racism.
Juneteenth, an event of historic significance to millions of people in the United States, marks the emancipation of enslaved Black people, remains largely unknown and disregarded within educational curricula. What is most interesting, is that formally, all slaves had been emancipated by President Lincoln two years prior. It was not until June 19th, 1865, that Union troops arrived in Galveston, Texas to share the liberatory information with slaves who were intentionally kept uninformed of the change to their status so that they could continue…
