Speaking for Ourselves Teaching Guide
As a member of the Speaking for Ourselves reading committee, it was an absolute honor to read and experience the stories of People of the Global Majority. Some of the pieces resonated with my own experience as a daughter of Mexican migrants, as a mama, and as an educator learning to navigate trauma-inducing, traditional K-12 spaces. All of the pieces in this book speak to the journey of liberation where we speak our truths, powerfully take up space, and create spaces that are truly equitable for all.
I give thanks to Daisy Han and Lorena Germán for bringing this anthology to life. They are forging a path that will make way for people of the global majority to be heard, seen, and valued. They are unapologetically carving out spaces for people, young and old, to tell the stories of those of us who have been historically shut out.
I give thanks to those who wrote down their truths and consented for it to be shared publicly. Their words are a gift to those of us who are seeking an end to white supremacy.
This lesson plan is an offering to the Speaking for Ourselves community, for K-12 educators & beyond who want to decolonize their classrooms by honoring the voices and experiences of the global majority. These stories speak to the beauty and resiliency of Black, Indigenous, Asian Pacific Islander and Latinx people.
Please adapt this lesson plan to fit the needs of your student community. Thank you for making the choice to disrupt centuries of inequitable, oppressive schooling by choosing to hold space for these conversations.
With Gratitude and Solidarity,
Maribel Valdez Gonzalez
Purchase the Speaking for Ourselves Book in the Embracing Equity Shop
Our Articles
Building an Embodied Anti-Racist Practice
It is common for people engaged in justice work to burn out. It is common for white people beginning to wake up to bury their head back in the sand when they realize the work of liberation requires a sustained effort.
Tribal Land Acknowledgements - What they Are and Why We Need to Do Them
If you are not bringing Indigenous voices into the conversation, then you are not doing anti-racism, decolonizing, or fighting colonialism. Stories of Indigenous history, current events, and people need to be told. These stories need to be prioritized.
A Continuing Legacy of Lakota Liberation
We, the Oglala Lakota, have a proud history and come from a long line of freedom fighters and medicine people. We carry forward a legacy of strength, compassion, resistance, and courage.
%2B(12).webp)
Empowered Anti-Racist Leadership: Introducing the 2021 Cohort
Come and meet Embracing Equity's 2021 Cohort Leaders and learn more about the Leadership Residency and Embracing Equity’s approach to transformational organizational change.
%2B(11).webp)
Loving and Critical: Reflecting and Interrogating my Montessori Identity
As a white woman striving to do the work of racial justice and continuing to develop my critical consciousness, I’ve realized the Montessori part of my identity requires a more in-depth interrogation.
.webp)
Music as a Tool to Build Empathy in an Anti-Racist Classroom
Throughout my years of teaching elementary music to Kindergarten through 6th grade, I’ve come to understand music as more than a performance subject.
Subscribe to Our Newsletter
Join our community for access to exclusive webinars, inspiring resources, and tools for transformation.
