We Want to Do More Than Survive⁚ Abolitionist Teaching and the Pursuit of Educational Freedom

This book, “We Want to Do More Than Survive⁚ Abolitionist Teaching and the Pursuit of Educational Freedom” by Bettina L. Love, is a powerful call to action for educators who want to create a more just and equitable world for all students. Love argues that traditional education systems are designed to perpetuate systemic racism and oppression, and she offers a vision of abolitionist teaching that can help to dismantle these systems. This book explores the importance of freedom dreaming, addressing racial violence and oppression, and creating sustainable change in communities.

Introduction

In a society grappling with persistent inequalities and systemic injustices, education emerges as a potent tool for fostering change. However, traditional educational frameworks often perpetuate the very systems they claim to address, leaving many students feeling marginalized and disempowered. This is where the concept of “abolitionist teaching,” as championed by Dr. Bettina L. Love in her groundbreaking book “We Want to Do More Than Survive⁚ Abolitionist Teaching and the Pursuit of Educational Freedom,” takes center stage. Love’s work, a powerful blend of personal narratives, research, and historical analysis, calls for a radical reimagining of education that goes beyond mere survival and actively dismantles oppressive structures.

Love contends that educators must transcend the limitations of conventional pedagogical approaches that prioritize rote memorization and standardized testing over fostering critical thinking, empathy, and social justice. She argues that true educational freedom requires a fundamental shift in mindset and practice, one that empowers students to become agents of change in their communities and beyond.

Drawing inspiration from the abolitionist movement, Love emphasizes the need for educators to create spaces where students can explore their identities, challenge dominant narratives, and develop the agency to dismantle systems of oppression. “We Want to Do More Than Survive” is not merely a theoretical treatise; it’s a practical guide for educators seeking to implement abolitionist teaching principles in their classrooms. Love offers concrete strategies and resources for fostering a more equitable and transformative learning environment, one that empowers students to become architects of a more just future.

Bettina Love’s Vision for Educational Justice

Bettina Love, a renowned educator and scholar, presents a compelling vision of educational justice that challenges the very foundations of traditional schooling. Love’s perspective is rooted in a deep understanding of the historical and ongoing impact of racism and oppression on marginalized communities. She argues that education, far from being a neutral force, has often served to perpetuate these systems of inequality.

Love’s vision for educational justice centers on the idea of “abolitionist teaching,” a framework that seeks to dismantle the systems of oppression that permeate schools and society at large. This approach goes beyond simply addressing individual prejudices or biases; it demands a fundamental transformation of the educational landscape. Love envisions classrooms where students are empowered to critically analyze power structures, explore their own identities, and develop the agency to challenge injustice.

Love’s work is characterized by its intersectional approach, recognizing that oppression operates in complex and interconnected ways. She emphasizes the importance of addressing not only racial injustice but also other forms of marginalization, including those based on gender, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status, and ability. Love’s vision is one that embraces the richness of diverse experiences and fosters a sense of belonging for all students.

Abolitionist Teaching⁚ A Framework for Change

Abolitionist teaching, as envisioned by Bettina Love, is not merely a pedagogical approach; it’s a radical framework for enacting social change. It draws inspiration from the historical abolitionist movement, which sought to dismantle the institution of slavery and its enduring legacies. Love argues that, in a similar vein, education must confront the systemic racism and oppression embedded within its structures. This requires a fundamental shift in perspective, moving beyond the traditional focus on individual achievement and embracing a collective commitment to justice.

Abolitionist teaching necessitates a critical examination of existing power structures and their impact on students’ lives. It demands that educators acknowledge the historical and ongoing role of education in perpetuating inequality and challenge the narratives that uphold these systems. Love emphasizes the importance of disrupting oppressive narratives and replacing them with stories of resistance, resilience, and hope.

This framework calls for a reimagining of the curriculum, pedagogy, and school culture. It encourages educators to create learning environments that are inclusive, empowering, and responsive to the needs of diverse students. Abolitionist teaching is about fostering critical consciousness, encouraging students to think critically, challenge the status quo, and become agents of change within their communities. Ultimately, it seeks to create a more just and equitable world for all.

Key Concepts in Abolitionist Teaching

Bettina Love’s framework of abolitionist teaching is rooted in several key concepts that guide its implementation and impact. One central concept is “Freedom Dreaming,” which encourages educators and students to envision a future free from oppression and to actively work towards its realization. This involves fostering hope and agency among students, empowering them to believe in the possibility of a more just world and to contribute to its creation.

Another crucial concept is the understanding and addressing of “Racial Violence and Oppression.” This necessitates a critical examination of the ways in which racism and other forms of oppression are embedded in society and within educational systems. Educators must actively challenge these systems, exposing their harmful effects and equipping students with the knowledge and tools to combat them.

Furthermore, abolitionist teaching emphasizes the importance of “Creating Sustainable Change in Communities.” This involves engaging students in community-based projects and initiatives that address social issues, fostering a sense of responsibility and collective action. By connecting classroom learning to real-world challenges, abolitionist teaching aims to empower students to become active participants in creating a more just and equitable society.

The Importance of Freedom Dreaming

At the heart of abolitionist teaching lies the concept of “Freedom Dreaming,” a powerful tool for fostering hope and agency within the educational experience. This concept encourages students to imagine a future free from the constraints of oppression and to actively work towards its realization. By envisioning a world where racial injustice, systemic inequality, and other forms of oppression are eradicated, students can develop a sense of purpose and agency, believing that their actions can contribute to a more just and equitable future.

Freedom Dreaming is not simply about wishful thinking. It is a deliberate act of envisioning and pursuing a better world, a world where all individuals are valued, respected, and empowered to reach their full potential. It involves fostering a sense of possibility, encouraging students to believe that change is possible and that they can play a significant role in bringing about that change.

By embracing Freedom Dreaming, educators create a space where students can explore their dreams, envision a world free from oppression, and develop the skills and knowledge needed to make their dreams a reality. This creates a sense of hope and purpose, empowering students to become agents of change and to contribute to a more just and equitable world.

Addressing Racial Violence and Oppression

Abolitionist teaching recognizes the pervasive nature of racial violence and oppression in society and calls for a direct and honest confrontation with these issues within the classroom. It emphasizes the importance of understanding the historical and ongoing impact of racism on individuals and communities, fostering critical awareness of systemic inequalities, and equipping students with the knowledge and skills to challenge these injustices. This approach goes beyond simply acknowledging the existence of racism; it actively engages students in a critical analysis of its root causes, its manifestations in various spheres of life, and its detrimental effects on individuals, communities, and society as a whole.

By addressing racial violence and oppression, abolitionist teaching aims to empower students to become agents of change, to dismantle systems of oppression, and to create a more just and equitable world. This process involves fostering empathy, critical thinking, and a commitment to social justice, equipping students with the tools to challenge racism, discrimination, and other forms of oppression wherever they encounter them.

The book “We Want to Do More Than Survive⁚ Abolitionist Teaching and the Pursuit of Educational Freedom” emphasizes the importance of providing students with a nuanced understanding of racial violence and oppression, helping them to develop a critical consciousness and to become active participants in the struggle for social justice.

Creating Sustainable Change in Communities

Abolitionist teaching is not just about dismantling oppressive systems within the classroom; it’s about empowering students to become agents of change in their communities. The book “We Want to Do More Than Survive⁚ Abolitionist Teaching and the Pursuit of Educational Freedom” emphasizes the importance of fostering a sense of collective responsibility and community engagement among students, equipping them with the skills and knowledge to address issues of social justice and inequality in their own neighborhoods;

This approach involves cultivating a deep understanding of the social, economic, and political factors that shape their communities, encouraging students to identify areas of need, and empowering them to take action to address those needs. It involves fostering a sense of shared responsibility, promoting collaboration, and encouraging students to work together to create positive change. Whether it’s organizing community events, advocating for policy changes, or simply lending a helping hand to those in need, abolitionist teaching aims to inspire students to become active participants in building a more just and equitable world.

By fostering a sense of community responsibility and encouraging students to engage in social action, abolitionist teaching aims to create a ripple effect of positive change, transforming not just individual lives but entire communities. It is a powerful vision for education that goes beyond the traditional focus on individual achievement and aims to create a world where all individuals can thrive and reach their full potential.

The Role of Educators in Abolitionist Teaching

Abolitionist teaching requires a radical shift in the role of educators. It is not simply about delivering content or adhering to standardized curriculum, but about becoming facilitators of student liberation and agents of change. Educators who embrace this framework must be willing to challenge the status quo, confront their own biases, and create learning environments that are inclusive, empowering, and centered on the experiences of marginalized communities.

This means prioritizing the voices of students, fostering critical thinking and analysis, and providing students with the tools and knowledge necessary to challenge systems of oppression. It also involves creating safe and supportive spaces where students feel empowered to share their experiences, express their perspectives, and engage in dialogue around issues of social justice. Educators must be willing to listen to students, learn from them, and co-create curriculum that reflects their lived experiences and addresses their needs.

The role of the educator in abolitionist teaching is not one of authority or control, but one of guidance and support. It is about empowering students to become self-directed learners, critical thinkers, and agents of change, and to challenge the oppressive structures that perpetuate inequality. By embracing this transformative approach to teaching, educators can play a vital role in creating a more just and equitable world for all.

In “We Want to Do More Than Survive⁚ Abolitionist Teaching and the Pursuit of Educational Freedom,” Bettina L. Love presents a compelling argument for a radical shift in educational practices. She challenges educators to move beyond simply surviving in a system that perpetuates inequality and instead embrace a vision of abolitionist teaching that centers on the liberation of Black students and dismantling systems of oppression. Love’s work is a powerful call to action for educators who are committed to creating a more just and equitable world for all students.

By embracing the principles of abolitionist teaching, educators can empower students to challenge injustice, reclaim their agency, and build a future where everyone can thrive. The pursuit of educational freedom is not just about academic achievement; it is about fostering a sense of belonging, celebrating Black joy, and cultivating the capacity for radical love and collective liberation. It requires a deep commitment to social justice, a willingness to challenge the status quo, and a belief that a more just and equitable world is possible.

This book is a crucial resource for educators who are seeking to create transformative learning experiences that empower students to become agents of change. By embracing the principles of abolitionist teaching, we can move beyond survival and build a future where all students can flourish.