DEI Speaker Series: Prec(ar)ious Knowledge: A discussion about the significance of black history narratives in the pursuit of social justice

• Date: Nov. 8
• Time: Noon-1 p.m.
• Location: Aderhold Hall Room 119

From Emmett Till to Tamir Rice, Rosa Parks to Jada Williams, and Nat Turner to Colin Kaepernick, there is a clear narrative of racial injustice experienced among black Americans historically and contemporarily. Yet, more often than not, lessons about black history emphasize progress in U.S. race relations and underemphasize how the treatment of black Americans has contributed to an entrenched system of racial injustice.

How is black history defined? How and why is black history misrepresented or disregarded? What can be learned from black Americans’ historical narratives that shape contemporary social realities for all people? Living in a society where marginalized groups, such as black Americans, are inundated with messages of inferiority and their very humanity questioned, it is imperative to consider the utility of black history knowledge (BHK) in combating racial injustice and disparities.

In this interactive talk, speaker Collette Chapman-Hilliard will facilitate a discussion about the meaning of black history knowledge as well as introduce relevant research. Participants will be invited to examine the role of black history knowledge in their own work, and the ways in which they can employ BHK or cultural knowledge more broadly as a social justice tool.