With the large numbers of African American children who are not successful in school, more attention needs to be devoted to developing methods and processes by which they can effectively learn, achieve, and be empowered. The performance statistics for African American students in public schools are alarming. Their suspension rates are high, and 20…

Extends the discussion of what some scholars believe is a controversial and impractical philosophy, that of Afrocentrism, in the context of the post-civil rights era. The article draws on the works of three scholars of Afrocentricity as a philosophical movement: (1) Gerald Early; (2) Stanley Crouch; and (3) Molefi Asante. (SLD)

Analyzes the biculturality of Black Americans, who have both Afrocentric and Eurocentric elements in their culture. Discusses factors of biculturality (education, punishment/reward, the institutionalization of white culture, religion, white power, and whites' numerical superiority). Evaluates qualitative differences between black and white…

Explores adolescent readers' responses to the opening chapters of three African novels written by authors both within and outside the cultures described. Finds students were most satisfied with texts in which the unfamiliar culture was presented as "normal" and not obviously translated for them; students responded positively when differences…

Discusses use of the term "African-American" in the context of relationships among country of origin, identification with that country, and the American experience. Finds no association between name identification and current Black social movements. Suggests that the issue should not overshadow continued effort to gain economic stability…

The Sea Islands off the coast of South Carolina, Georgia, and Northern Florida retain almost every element of African culture, including language, oral tradition, folklore, and aesthetics. Examines the African influence in the lifestyle of the Gullah people of the Sea Islands, especially in terms of their concept of time. (AF)

Literature is reviewed on the topic of blindisms and their possible causes. Studies indicate that the lack of blindisms among Black African blind children is related to the close mother-child contact and the interaction among the extended family unit. Strategies for preventing blindisms are offered. (Author/JDD)

Discusses Black Americans' concern about what to call themselves and examines attempts to develop an Afrocentric point of view. Questions an automatic identification between African-Americans and Africa, citing political, historical, and socioeconomic factors that qualify assumptions of cultural continuity, and calls for continued assessment and…

Draws on narratives of African-Canadian high school students about the relevancy of the social studies curriculum. Reports that students indicated that the curriculum distorts and excludes their histories, contributions, and lived experiences. Indicates the nuanced insights into curriculum, power, and knowledge to be gained from critical analysis…

This book describes the roots, culture and learning styles of black children. It is written to promote awareness that black children differ from other children in ways which are relevant to education. These differences must be known and acted upon in order to provide black children with an appropriate education. The book contains the following…

A paradigm is presented for preparing teachers to develop a broader knowledge and perspective of African American history and culture. The approach was designed to instruct nonminority elementary preservice teachers to begin to acquire the knowledge and understanding of critical aspects of the African-Afro-American history and culture necessary to…

Discusses the success of a family folklore unit in a racially and ethnically diverse sixth-grade class (containing Black, White, Japanese-American, and Jewish students), provides suggestions for a folklore curriculum, and points out the significance of folklore. (SKC)

Debate concerning "African-American" as a better racial/ethnic designator than "Black" has become a major public issue. While proponents of the term argue that it gives Blacks a land and culture to mark their identity and experience, others consider the question irrelevant to the solution of serious socioeconomic problems. (AF)

The communication patterns among Africans and American blacks are rooted in similarities. Both groups are constricted within societal communication networks, with blacks occupying peripheral positions. Special cognitive and linguistic handicaps erect obstinate barriers to reforms in the distribution and reciprocity of power. The assertion of black…

Reviews the debate concerning the impact of Afrocentric education and multicultural education on U.S. history instruction and course content. Responds to criticisms of Afrocentric education by historians Diane Ravitch and Arthur Schlesinger, Jr. Contends that multicultural education can help recognize divisions in U.S. society and show a…