1. Ebonics Termed coined by Dr. Robert Williams in 1973
Ebonics = Ebony + Phonics

2. Original Purpose
Intended to reflect the linguistic results of the African slave trade
Never had a term to describe the language
The language was thought to be a inferior language, although it is bound by rules, like any other language
Ultimate objective: to recognize Ebonics as a rule governed meta-language

3. Greatly Misunderstood
Gained global attention during racially charged education controversy in Oakland, California (1996)
School board passed a resolution declaring Ebonics to be the language of 28,000 students
People were outraged by the acceptance of a language defined by “slang”

4. Oakland School Board
Adopted the definition that Ebonics is a dialect of Standard English
Thought it was important to recognize the student's home language as a true language, allowing them to recognize it as well
Thought that this would help their academic language (Standard English) improve

5. Ebonics: Effects on Education
Many programs/policies are in place to help children improve linguistic skills if home language is something other than English
Recognizing Ebonics as a language, allows students to be eligible for such programs