Historical accuracy and nuance: Teaching African American studies in Kentucky

Historical accuracy and nuance: Teaching African American studies in Kentucky

Author: Ethical Schools January 2, 2025 Duration: 25:46
  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

Conversations about education often focus on test scores and curriculum, but there’s a deeper layer that truly shapes a student’s experience. Ethical Schools digs into that layer, exploring what it means to build a learning community grounded in integrity and care. Each week, hosts Amy and Jon sit down with educators and innovators who are actively reimagining schools. You’ll hear specific, grounded discussions about the practical work of creating environments where every student feels safe and respected. The dialogue frequently addresses how to support young people dealing with trauma, moving beyond theory to share actionable strategies that teachers are using right now. More than just problem-solving, this podcast highlights how to empower students themselves to become advocates and changemakers in their own communities. It’s a series that connects philosophy with daily practice, looking at the social and cultural structures within schools through a lens of ethics. For anyone invested in the future of education-whether you’re a teacher, administrator, or simply a concerned community member-this podcast offers a thoughtful and necessary perspective on the foundational values that make education meaningful.
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