In this image, Deyane Moses, Curator of Archives at AFRO Charities, delves into the preservation of documents, materials, and legacies bequeathed by Black educators. Their work ensures that future generations can access and study this invaluable history. Credit: Courtesy photo. Img source: Afro.com
May 17, 2024 Story by: Editor
Harvard University introduced the Black Teacher Archive (BTA) in late 2023, marking a significant milestone in educational research. This digital repository houses an extensive collection of primary source materials, including journals and newsletters, crafted by members of the Colored Teachers’ Associations (CTAs) from 1861 to 1970.
Dr. Jarvis R. Givens, a prominent Harvard professor and co-founder of the BTA, initiated a collaboration with Afro Charities to explore the AFRO Archives for materials related to CTAs. This collaboration paved the way for virtual discussions highlighting the BTA’s significance, particularly in revolutionizing research across various disciplines, from education history to African American studies.
Supported by the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation and the Spencer Foundation, the BTA, situated at the Harvard Graduate School of Education in partnership with the Monroe C. Gutman Library Special Collections, aims to provide unprecedented access to historical documents that illuminate the experiences of Black educators in segregated Southern schools.
In an interview, Dr. Givens and Senior Project Manager Micha Broadnax shed light on the origins and importance of the BTA. Dr. Givens emphasized the archive’s role in contextualizing current challenges in education while empowering educators with a deeper understanding of their historical legacy. Broadnax highlighted the diverse array of materials within the BTA and its potential for genealogical research and classroom use. Source: Afro
The BTA stands as a testament to the resilience and activism of Black teachers throughout history, offering a blueprint for contemporary educators organizing and inspiring future generations to continue the fight for educational equity.
