Abby Ferber Quotations

A real problem with Black History Month is that we focus on individuals, yet we ignore the larger social structure of racism. Students might study great people who made great accomplishments, but it isn't seen as an issue that's relevant today.

It's pretty clear that no one is only oppressed in their life. This framework empowers everyone in the classroom. It helps everyone see that these issues are about them. We are all part of the problem as well as the solution, and acknowledging that creates a sense of commonality.

The focus on great individuals is problematic because most people don't see themselves as capable of being those people. It become unintentionally disempowering, especially for younger students, because they think you have to be larger than life to make a difference.