Book Learning and Slave Education with Christopher Span

Christopher Span, Professor of Educational Policy Studies at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, discusses his work, “Sam’s Cottonfield Blues” and “Quest for Book Learning: African American Education in Slavery and Freedom.” He discusses why literacy was so feared by white enslavers and crucial to slaves. Detailing how slaves subverted the rules to learn to read while enslavers punished those who did. Prof. Span's own family provides a powerful example of the rhythm and style of African American educational heritage.
Christopher Span is a Professor in the Department of Education Policy, Organization, and Leadership (EPOL), and Chief of Staff and Associate Chancellor for Administration and PreK-12 Initiatives at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.
---
The Cleveland Heights-University Heights Library's 1619 Project discussion group meets every second Thursday of the month. We discuss how the legacy of slavery remains a dominant factor of American political, cultural, and social spheres. The library program centers on the articles included in the New York Times Special Sunday Magazine dated August 20, 2019.
The program began in October 2019 and has had over 500 people participate. All interviews done by John Piche'.
For upcoming programs, additional readings, and resource lists please visit Heights Library's 1619 Project Discussion page heightslibrary.org/services/1...
#1619Project #slavery #1619Projectdiscussion #1619
Music by Controller 7
controller7.bandcamp.com/