Black Emotional Wellness: The Multiple Voices of Teacher Education Scholars

Abstract

4 | BLACK HISTORY BULLETIN VOL. 84, NO. 2 84 No.2 FOREWORD BLACK EMOTIONAL WELLNESS: THE MULTIPLE VOICES OF TEACHER EDUCATION SCHOLARS By: Alicia L. Moore and La Vonne I. Neal The theme for this issue of the Black History Bulletin (BHB) is Black Health and Wellness—the 2022 Black History Theme. In 2020, the haunting lyrics of the song “I Can’t Breathe,” written by H.E.R., award-winning artist, composer, and social justice activist, echoed the emotional trauma of Black people: I can’t breathe, You’re taking my life from me, I can’t breathe, Will anyone fight for me?1 During the COVID-19 pandemic, educators led the pedagogical fight to inspire Black students to persist. Dr. Greg Wiggan, professor of urban education and affiliate faculty member of African studies at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte, is Guest Editor for this issue of the BHB. The authors of this issue describe the role of science in teaching social justice. Specifically, they illuminate contributions of Blacks in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). Theauthorsanchortheirarticlesusing corequestions throughout their articles and culturally responsive companion lesson plans, such as: 1. How has social construction of race impacted Black health and wellness in the US? 2. How has the “slave diet” impacted the health and wellness of African Americans? 3. How are the COVID-19 pandemic and systemic racism impacting Black mental health? 4. How can revolutionary approaches to teaching history and social studies foster positive self-concept and enhance selfefficacy among Black students? Notes: 1 H.E.R., “I Can’t Breathe” Lyrics, https://www.her-official. com/. Teacher Resources: • Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) that offer medical programs, https://hbcu-colleges.com/medical. • Association of Black Psychologists, https://abpsi.site-ym. com/. • National Black Nurses Association, https://www.nbna.org/. • National Medical Association, https://www.nmanet.org/. • Black Mental Wellness—a virtual community dedicated to the mental health and wellness of Black people, https://www. blackmentalwellness.com/. LA VONNE I. NEAL, Ph.D., is professor emerita and retired associate vice president, administration and Finance, Northern Illinois University. ALICIA L. MOORE, Ph.D.,is department chair and holds the Cargill Endowed Professorship in Education at Southwestern University, Georgetown, Texas. ...