A Teachers Perspective
Our continuing series of blogs about creativity in this time of quarantine and change has inspired me to interview a good friend Cree, who is an elementary school teacher, and mother, in Las Vegas, utilizing her time to educate others about Black History through different social media outlets.
Thank you for taking the time for this interview! Where did you go to school and what was your major in?
I went to Arizona State University and I got a duel degree in Elementary Education and Special Education.
What year did you start teaching and what grade do you teach? What was your favorite part about teaching in the classroom?
I started teaching the year 2015-2016. I took some time off after I graduated because I was actually pregnant with my daughter my last semester of college. My favorite thing about being in the classroom is making connections with my students and seeing their growth.
How did Covid19 affect your 2020 school year?
Covid 19 turned our school year upside down. My girls basketball team didn’t get to finish their season, and teachers had to adjust to online learning. It was a challenge because I missed seeing my students everyday, along with the fact I also had to make sure my daughter was still learning as well!
I love your virtual teachings on Black history! When did you realize it was important to use your platform as a teacher to spread knowledge on the topic (especially virtually)?
First I want to say thank you, I am happy you like my videos. And I realized how important the platform of social media was this year mainly because many of my students love Tik Tok. So when the Covid disaster struck I wanted to be able to make connections with my students via Tik Tok, and decided to make a teacher account. Originally I wanted to use it to try and make my students happy and laugh since their school year got cut short. Then when blackout Tuesday took place, I saw many people wanting to learn more about Black History, and that was when I decided to make mini lessons. Overall it is important because the history we were taught as kids is very white washed and there was a huge disservice to our society by not teaching the truth. I incorporate this way of thinking in my classroom and it is never too early to teach kids about these concepts. My daughter is already learning and she’s 5!
What are some highlights that you have taught so far?
Overall my goal is to focus my attention on activists that we don’t learn about that often growing up. We all have learned about MLK and Rosa Parks, however, there are so many more individuals who fought for basic civil rights who deserve recognition as well. I also want to celebrate black artists, inventors, scientists, authors, etc. There is power in people learning about these individuals because what they did mattered! I have taught about Claudette Colvin, Mary Van Britain Brown, the positive side of the Black Panther Party and more! I’m working on a Harlem Renaissance series currently.
Are there any books you recommend pertaining to Black history? I have personally been reading ‘The New Jim Crow: Mass Incarceration in the Age of Colorblindness’, and my boyfriend is currently reading ‘The Mis-Education of the Negro.’
I think those are all great choices. I am currently in a book club that focuses on Black authors. We are reading “Wild Seed” by Octavia Butler which is a science fiction thriller set in the time of slavery. It’s a really interesting read and has lots of symbolism. It has been a great book for discussions. I am also reading “Awkward Black Girl” by Issa Rae (she’s my IDOL). Her book is so relatable and really dives into the issues of colorism and stereotypes in the entertainment industry. I think it is a great book for anyone to read.
What would you tell someone who is uncomfortable to have conversations with others about Black History?
I think that I admire and have more respect for individuals who are able to keep an open mind and hear others out. The biggest issue right now is that certain individuals who have never had to deal with any type of racism thinks it “doesn’t exist” because they don’t have to deal with it themselves. Growing up mixed, I was often exposed to racism but not in the way a person who is darker in complexion then me has dealt with. I could walk into a room full of white people and they would say the most offensive and racist jokes to me thinking I would laugh. That was never the case. I often surprised people growing up when I would call them out on their racial insensitivity. The conversation would usually end with “oh well you aren’t really black so it’s okay.” In my opinion everyone needs to be open to hear what others have gone through and realize that just because they haven’t experienced it doesn’t mean it isn’t true.
THANK YOU CREE!
Follow Cree and her teaching via Instagram here: @creezylynne93
and YouTube here: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCW1TMNpNGw43I_jeO6nOySw?app=desktop
