The importance of embracing race with Peconic Community School
February marks the start of Black History Month. In some schools and households, this merely equates to a brief talk about a black historical figure, but in others, this month serves as an important time for a heightened focus on the emphasis of embracing race — sharing black stories (historic and present-day) and lifting up black culture. In our home, the conversations of race awareness and uplift are ever-present, not just during the month of February. They’re woven into the stories we read, the friendships we forge, and the respect and equality with which we treat others.
Cutchogue-based Peconic Community School (PCS), a progressive, independent school that teaches early childhood through eighth grade, places a strong focus on integrating race education into its curriculum. Petite North Fork spoke with its Director of Teaching and Learning, Shannon Timoney, to gain insight into best approaches and practices for weaving these conversations into ones you may wish to have at home.
Q: What is the Peconic Community School community doing for Black History Month and year-round race education?
Shannon: We have always integrated race education into our curriculum to create a diverse, equitable, and inclusive learning environment. Throughout the academic year, we deliberately select novels and chapter books that highlight significant people of color and key historical events associated with Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Justice (DEIJ) topics. This approach provides students with a platform for engaging in important and sometimes challenging conversations, fostering a deeper understanding of diverse perspectives.
In addition to our ongoing efforts, we recognize the importance of focused initiatives, such as during Black Lives Matter (BLM) week, to underscore specific themes related to racial equity. This year we are committing two weeks to this focused work, our goal being that it serves as a powerful catalyst for in-depth discussions on social justice, systemic inequalities, and the contributions of marginalized communities, reinforcing our commitment to continuous education about race and creating an inclusive learning environment.
Q: Why it's important for all children, regardless of their race, to understand race?
Shannon: In our predominantly white community, it is not just our duty but a profound responsibility to prioritize and integrate race education into our curriculum. We want to cultivate awareness, understanding, and empathy about diverse perspectives in our community, ensuring our students are equipped with the knowledge needed to navigate an interconnected world with cultural competence and inclusivity. Embracing this responsibility is integral to fostering a learning environment that actively teaches through an anti-racist lens.
Q: What age is best to begin having these discussions?
Shannon: At PCS, we start discussing the topic of race right away in early childhood. It is our hope to build a strong foundation and instill values related to fairness and equality, beginning with our youngest learners. We firmly believe that it is never too early to foster these important values, provided it is done thoughtfully. Our approach is carefully tailored to each specific group of children as they move through the grades, ensuring that the work is appropriate and engaging for them. As students progress through the school, our aim is for them to possess a solid understanding and a rich vocabulary, equipped with the necessary tools to navigate the vital, ongoing discourse surrounding these crucial topics.
Q: What are some ways to weave these conversations into our children's daily lives?
Shannon: Incorporating books, films, and documentaries are a few ways. Also, addressing situations as they naturally arise is very powerful. As the students get older, discussing the news and current events is really important. Connecting these topics to personal stories, whether it's someone else's narrative or their own, has a profound impact. Witnessing this connection is powerful, fostering a deeper understanding and igniting meaningful learning and growth. These discussions truly resonate when grounded in the context of human experiences, making the learning experience more authentic and impactful.
Q: Why is it important to celebrate not only the achievements of historical black people but also present-day icons?
Shannon: It's crucial to not only acknowledge the achievements of historical black figures but also celebrate important people of today. Helping our students understand the history is key to helping them understand current events. By acknowledging both progress and persisting challenges, we equip them to strive for positive change. Guiding students to be aware of inequities and inconsistencies, we hope to foster a sense of responsibility.
When celebrating present-day black icons, we learn a lot from their stories, which often unveil the inspirations that drive them, creating a meaningful thread that connects the past and present. We aim to help our students not only identify but also appreciate and honor the black figures making a significant impact today, reinforcing the interconnectedness of history and current achievements.
Book recommendations that highlight and celebrate black people and culture
The Book Itch by Vaunda Micheaux Nelson
Born Ready by Jodie Patterson
Don’t Touch My Hair by Sharee Miller
How We Can Live by Laleña Garcia
I Am Every Good Thing by Derrik Barnes
Julian is a Mermaid by Jessica Love
Last Stop on Market Street by Matt de la Peña
Our Skin by Megan Madison, Jessica Ralli, Isabel Roxas
The Proudest Blue by Ibtihaj Muhammad
Ruby Head High by Irene Cohen-Janca
Stamped (for kids) by Jason Reynolds, Ibram X. Kendi
When We Say Black Lives Matter by Maxine Beneba Clarke
You Are Not Alone by Alphabet Rockers
A Young People’s History of the United States by Howard Zinn