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Summary

For this episode, I am in conversation with Dr. Nathaniel Bryan, author of the book, Toward a BlackBoyCrit Pedagogy: Black Boys, Male Teachers, and Early Childhood Classroom Practices. We explore the complexities of Black boyhood studies, the importance of relational engagement in education, and the impact of anti-Black misandry on Black boys. We also discuss the need for early childhood educators to understand these dynamics and challenge misconceptions about Black male teachers. The conversation emphasizes the brilliance of Black boys and the necessity of providing support for Black male educators, while also rethinking the role model narrative often associated with Black boys. Additionally, Dr. Bryan advocates for a shift in how literacy is assessed and taught to better reflect the rich cultural backgrounds of Black boys. Our conversation also highlights the necessity of centering Black boys' perspectives and experiences in educational practices to foster their authentic selves and promote their well-being. Furthermore, although Black male teachers serve as critical role models for Black boys, we discuss the importance of recruiting Black male teachers who are connected to the communities of Black boys.

Takeaways

• Focusing on Black boys uplifts all marginalized children.
• Complexity in Black boyhood studies is essential.
• Anti-Black misandry affects educational practices.
• Early childhood education must address anti-Blackness.
• Black male teachers are more than disciplinarians.
• Black boys possess brilliance that needs recognition.
• Misconceptions about role models for Black boys need to be challenged.
• Understanding the unique experiences of Black boys is vital.
• Recruiting teachers from within the community enhances educational outcomes.
• Black boys need to be seen as whole individuals, not just problems to be solved.
• Literacy assessments must honor the diverse ways Black boys express their literacies.
• Authenticity in the classroom allows Black boys to thrive.

Books and Articles mentioned in this Episode:

• Solutions For Anti-Black Misandry, Flat Blackness, and Black Male Death: The Black Masculinist Turn by T. Hasan Johnson
• Understanding Critical Race Research Methods and Methodologies: Lessons from the Field edited by Jessica T. DeCuir-Gunby, Thandeka K. Chapman, and Paul A. Schutz
• We want to do more than Survive: Abolitionist Teaching and the Pursuit of Educational Freedom by Bettina L. Love
• "Spirit-Murdering the Messenger: The Discourse of Fingerpointing as the Law's Response to Racism" by Patricia Williams

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