Honoring overlooked black heroes

As Black History Month approached, I toiled over how I wanted to decorate my classroom door to celebrate black history and inspire my students. The month began and alongside my responsibilities my door went on untouched — until I overheard a student expressing disappointment over a course they were taking. The student explained he was asked to do a project on black Americans who were overlooked or not wellknown.

He chose Nipsey Hussle. Unfortunately, the teacher declined his selection because they heard that Nipsey Hussle was shot and killed due to gang violence. I presume the teacher was unaware of the activism, art and investments Nipsey contributed to people of color and his community. I challenged the young man to stand up for what he believed in and he countered my challenge by highlighting my influence as a teacher and pleaded with me to use my power to say something. His words replayed through my mind as the evening fell and by that night I wrote an email supporting both my student and students across America.

Truthfully, the more I analyzed the situation, the more it vexed me. I reflected upon the model African Americans showcased during Black History Month such as Martin Luther King Jr.and Rosa Parks. Maybe Angela Davis?

It resonated with me why they are the chosen few; because our history books only included those who fit the narrative of making white people feel comfortable. Nipsey Hussle didn’t fit the prototype. I wondered if she knew Nipsey Hussle was murdered one day before his scheduled meeting with the LAPD to discuss how they can reduce gang violence in his community? Well, much to my disappointment the teacher declined my response and insisted the student couldn’t choose the rap artist because he “already knew who he was.”

Since the moment I stepped foot into a classroom, I meditated on what it means to be a black educator. How does my experience influence my work? How does my lens on education transpire in the classroom? Especially while teaching in an urban district. Truthfully, there is no one answer to any of those questions. My responses evolve and transform day by day as I respond to my student’s needs. However, my overarching goal is to empower students from all walks of life to use their voice and their education to advocate for themselves and their communities.

I decided to refocus my energy into my student. Since he was unable to celebrate Nipsey Hussle’s contributions to black Americans, then I would. I featured Nipsey Hussle on my classroom door for Black History Month, citing his contributions as an entrepreneur, rapper, real estate investor and activist, followed by a dedication to all the unsung heroes who are excluded because they don’t fit the mold or “look” the part.

As a black educator, I’m not here to force students into a mold that makes the world feel comfortable. Or to encourage students to give silent consent to our history being whited out. I’m here to empower our students to not only be a better version of themselves everyday but, inspire others to do the same. Today, we decide who the heroes are. We are no longer looking for a seat at the table but, building our own and bringing our communities with us.

Danielle Jones is a math teacher at Bullard-Havens Technical School. She is also a member of Educators for Excellence-Connecticut.

Associated Press Nipsey Hussle in 2018.