We speak with  Ahenewa El-Amin, who teaches AP African American Studies in Kentucky, a state with a law restricting teaching about the legacy of slavery. Ms. El-Amin discusses the law as well as how she is able to teach the history of Kentucky, a state that is “north and south,” and open students’ minds to new perspectives.

Overview

00:00-00:55 Intros

00:55-02:45 Meaning of Kentucky law on teaching about race

02:45-03:37 Have any teachers been charged with violating the law?

03:37-04:52 Differential impact on long-term and newer teachers

04:52-06:27 Examples of content that might fall under the new law

06:27-08:03 Teaching “both ways” in Kentucky

08:03-10:03 Opening students’ minds to new perspectives

10:03-10:53 Biases re “cultural and racial upbringings”

10:53-15:20 Teaching and learning about Kentucky history; Margaret Garner and “Beloved”

15:20-18:27 West African influences on Southern food and culture

18:27-19:30 Impact of law on districts’ willingness to offer AP African American history

19:30-20:48 Controversy about content of AP course

20:48-24:12 Students’ responses to learning about Kentucky’s racial history

24:12- Outro

Transcript

Click here to see the full transcription of this episode. 

Soundtrack by Poddington Bear