AFRICAN – AMERICAN CULTURE

Culture is more than food, festivals and music; it’s a way of life! It includes socio-economic class, family values, religion, education, language, art, and individual development.

Socio-economic status Six determinants: – Income, wealth, occupation, education, prestige, and power. One third of African-American families live below the poverty line. Almost two thirds of African-American children live in homes relying on public assistance.

Important message We can’t change the social class of our students today, but we can have an impact on their future social mobility!

Importance of Family Kinship developed out of necessity rather than choice because of centuries of oppression Extended families function as the principles of interdependence and sometimes as a corporate responsibility. Children belong to an extended family clan, not merely to the parents.

Strength of the family Provides members with a source of connection, attachment, validation, worth, respect, recognition, and legitimacy. Family code – helps members to respond appropriately in unfamiliar situations. Family boundaries provide a sense of undeniable belonging – no matter what Provision of informational knowledge – multigenerational sharing of experiences

Parent - child relationship Sense of history – proud of heritage and continue to struggle for liberation from oppression and racism Sense of family – establishes child’s identity and being; also love is unconditional Sense of Supreme being (God)- children learn to respect and obey the Supreme spirit which will in turn give them spiritual freedom

Church / Religion The most powerful and influential institution in the African-American community Services are highly ecstatic and very moving Most are Baptist or Methodist Episcopal Church has many functions; social agent for change, sharing of resources, rearing of unrelated children, and an emotional escape

Learning Styles Children are very social – group activities work well Tend to be proficient in non-verbal communication Tend to focus on people and activities rather than on things/objects Must be convinced that there is a payoff in education to keep them motivated

Effective teaching strategies Teacher’s expectations – most important factor impacting academic achievement Must know the top five CDs in black America Must be knowledgeable about their culture Must incorporate professional sports in curriculum Use rap lyrics, cultural videos, hip-hop magazines to teach skills in addition to content

Effective teaching strategies Involve the parents – make them feel comfortable and welcome Establish “family” class atmosphere, rules and consequences Understand the hidden rules of poverty Take a personal interest in students and respect their culture

Relevant Information Code switching – the act of allowing students to speak or write in their “dialect of comfort” followed by speaking or writing in standard English Showdown – a power struggle or rites of passage between African-American male students and female teachers.

Important facts The black national anthem is titled “Lift Every Voice and Sing” and was written by James Weldon Johnson. You aren’t at risk because you’re low income or fatherless, you are at risk if you don’t have goals. It is one thing not to know, and it is another when you do not want to know.

Important facts Why do African-American youth have to be incarcerated before receiving individual attention? African-American holy days, not holidays, teach individuals why they came together and to inspire their future NO ONE IS CULTURALLY DEPRIVED BECAUSE EVERYONE HAS A CULTURE; IT JUST MAY NOT BE THE SAME AS YOURS!!