Learn to say their names properly. We expect students to learn how to say names like Tchaikovsky, Kosciuszko, and other obscure and difficult words alike - So we should give them the same respect for their name. Take the time to learn their name and call them by their name.
Protect them in the classroom. Surely this sounds like a no brainer, but it still needs to be said. If the other students are taunting them about their name or their hairstyle, speak up. Teach children it's okay to be different from one another and that the differences are to be celebrated and embraced.
Diversify the literature in your classroom's library. Find ways to include Black stories that aren't just about the slavery narrative. There is so much history for Black students to learn about that is far more positively impactful than slavery, and the brutality of Jim Crow.
There are so many ways to empower and support Black students. These three are just a quick place to start and learn how to do so. If you have any other tips on how to empower and support Black students share it with us in the comments!
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