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Education in partnership with the Monroe C. Gutman Library Special Collections, aims to provide unprecedented access to historical documents that illuminate the experiences of Black educators in segregated Southern schools.
