Black Lives Matter in Teaching English as a Second Language!
By Kristin Lems
Lems focuses on how the legacy of injustice of white supremacy in the United States affects black English language learners, and what educators can do to mitigate the inequity they experience.
Black English language learners come from Africa, the Caribbean, and South and Central America. Some are educated while others may be refugees who have survived severe trauma. Since English is the official language of several African countries, these students may not be in ESL classes although they may speak an additional language at home. They may or may not be literate in this language. A lack of literacy in the home language may also be true for students from other African countries and Haiti where French is the official language.
A second problem is that while students from some countries may have experienced racism, many from Africa have not. A third issue is the low number of black teachers and the dominance of native English speakers in the ESL field. Finally, few black students participate in bilingual programs; for example, in Chicago, only 1% received the Seal of Biliteracy.
Lems offers several suggestions to mitigate these inequities in school. Teachers can:
- Try to find books in students’ home languages and invite someone to read the books to the class if bilingual education is not possible.
- Be aware that black immigrant children are not only adjusting to a new culture and language, but also dealing with racism and colorism: a preference for lighter skin. White teachers can invite guest speakers and build a library of “black-affirming books”.
- Encourage Afro-Latino students to become bilingual teachers.
- Encourage Black American students to study other languages and pursue a career as ESL teachers.
- Reach out to families of African descent to participate in dual language programs.
The author notes that “Nobody can do everything, but everyone can do something.”
Article recommended by the Countering AntiBlack Racism Committee of NJTESOL/NJBE