I am a Black Woman and I too must Practice Culturally Responsive Pedagogy and Leadership

Aisha Moore-Webb

Our world is changing. Growing up, my world was very much black and white. Now, the United States is a mixture of colors: black, white, brown, yellow, and red. As a result, I have to be cognizant that I pay attention to the needs and cultural experiences of all students and therefore the concept of culturally responsiveness is not just a majority to minority phenomenon.

Considering the transition to a more colorful world has been steady but gradual, I have had to make a concerted effort to ensure I am aware of cultural norms that may be specific to one group of students versus another. I have to include works from various authors and ethnicities. I have to acknowledge the contributions of all groups to a given subject, topic, or concept. I have learn about my students and their families. I have to celebrate differences and how each contributes to the beauty of our great nation.

As an educational leader, I must stay abreast of policy that may impact my students. I have to know what is going on with immigration laws. I have to seek to understand what it is like to be a first, second, or third generation immigrant and how that influences one’s view of the world. I have to be aware of police brutality. I have to understand the communal way of life versus the individualist perspective and how that impacts the way students relate to their peers and teachers. As an educator who teaches in a school predominately attended by African American students, I even have to be cognizant of my students who are not African Americans, and who are minorities in this situation.


These are the task I am charged with as a culturally responsive educator. Doing this helps to create an atmosphere that is ethically sound and one that promotes the well-being of all the students in attendance. It says to each child, I respect the uniqueness you bring to our school, I want you to celebrate it, and I care enough to know more about you. 

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