2021 Articles

Racially literate teaching in the writing classroom

Ortiz, Eddie; Sealey-Ruiz, Yolanda

Racial literacy is a building block for learning about and understanding identity—one that can help explain how race affects the way we live and learn. The concept originated with sociologist France Winddance Twine and, as defined by Sealey-Ruiz, has developed into “a skill and practice in which students probe the existence of racism and examine the effects of race and other social constructs and institutionalized systems.” It is critical for today’s literacy educators to possess the skills and disposition to read, discuss, and write about situations that involve race or racism. When educators provide safe—and brave—spaces for students to voice their opinions without fear, they allow for healthy and affirming discussions involving race.