This July, several members of Kingmakers of Oakland had the privilege of attending the 2024 Teaching Black History Conference in Buffalo, New York. Hosted by the esteemed Dr. LaGarrett King and the UB Center for K–12 Black History and Racial Literacy Education, the conference served as a powerful convening of educators, administrators, and historians committed to deepening the understanding and teaching of Black history.
Our Curriculum team, led by Staci Smith, our Director of Curriculum and Training, left the conference with renewed motivation and a wealth of new insights to enhance our work with the Crowns Curriculum. The workshops facilitated by the Pulitzer Center were particularly impactful, offering strategies to bring underreported stories of racial justice and global health into our classrooms. The session titled “Healthy Black Futures: How Global Health Reporting Can Help Us Develop Communities That Thrive” was eye-opening, providing us with tools to help students critically engage with the world through media literacy.
Another standout session, “Centering Joy In Hard History And Imagining More Just Futures,” offered a refreshing perspective on teaching the complex legacy of Black history in America. The resources shared by The 1619 Project Education Network emphasized the importance of infusing joy and imagination into our teaching, ensuring that students are not only aware of the challenges faced by their ancestors but are also inspired to envision and create a more just future.
The conference wasn’t just about learning; it was also a space for us to connect with like-minded individuals who share our passion for transforming the educational experiences of Black students. We were able to showcase the work being done by Kingmakers of Oakland and build relationships with others dedicated to improving the lives and educational outcomes of Black students. The energy and ideas exchanged at this conference have already begun to influence our approach, and we are excited to apply these new strategies as we continue our mission.
Looking ahead, we are inspired to apply to present at next year’s conference, further contributing to the collective effort to empower Black students through education.