Week 1

Consider what we need to learn (and unlearn) about our country's history.

For many, the enslavement of African people is a legacy attributed to the southern U.S., but Massachusetts and neighboring colonies played a role too.

Listen to this episode of the Seeing White series from Scene on Radio, featuring guests Nell Irvin Painter and Ibram X. Kendi. You can also find a complete transcript of this episode here. (29 min)

Watch this CBS News segment about an investigation into the problematic elements of U.S. history curriculum. (7 min)

  • Daily Journal: Make sure to log your progress each day. This is a great place to jot down a few notes about how this week's content has impacted your thinking.

Prompts for Discussion

What did you learn about the history of enslavement in the U.S.? Do you feel that your historical education was accurate?

What can you do in the future to learn more about the gaps in your historical knowledge?

How can you prepare for discussions about the history of racism with your children?

When we omit or whitewash history, what burdens are we placing on our students of color?

Does your workplace, faith group, or other community organization have an equity group or committee?

Join if you can, or find a tangible way to support them if you can't.

Interested in joining this work in our school community?

CPS has a DEI Community Advisory Council (DEICAC), open to everyone in the community. The DEICAC focuses on issues of equity relating to all aspects of identity and belonging, such as race, gender and sexuality, neurodiversity, etc. If you'd like to join, email us at socialjustice@carlisle.k12.ma.us.

Explore More

Watch episode 1 of High on the Hog, a Netflix documentary series on the influence of African America cuisine in American food and culture, featuring host Stephen Satterfield. (52 min)

Listen to episode 1 of the 1619 project, produced by the NY Times, detailing the origins of African enslavement and the impacts on our country's history. (43 min)

Watch this TED Talk by David Ikard, a Professor of African American and Diaspora Studies, talk about his child's experience learning whitewashed history in school. (19 min)