(Re)membering blackness, (re)membering home: lessons for teachers from a primary school in Ghana, West Africa

Abstract

As teachers in the US context, we have spent precious little time considering what it would mean to be prepared and ready for Black children. In such readiness, (re)cognition of the spirit and spirituality of Black people would be central in understanding and preparing for our children and families. This article asks the question: What would it mean for teachers to be ready for the spirit of Black children in schools in the way that is witnessed every day in a primary school in Ghana? Starting with an understanding of Black people and spirituality, this autobiographical account explores the extraordinary knowledge and resources – material, spiritual, cultural, pedagogical -- that are fundamental to teaching Black children, regardless of their place on the globe.

Keywords:

• Black education
• Ghana
• teacher education
• spirituality

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Cynthia B. Dillard (Nana Mansa II of Mpeasem, Ghana)

Cynthia B. Dillard (Nana Mansa II of Mpeasem, Ghana) is the Mary Frances Early Professor in Teacher Education at the University of Georgia. Her research focuses on endarkened and Black feminist theory and spiritualities in education, global Black women's ways of knowing, and critical teacher education. She is enstooled as a Queen Mother and also known as Nana Mansa II of Mpeasem, Ghana.