Historical accuracy and nuance: Teaching African American studies in Kentucky

  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

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