Starting with Identity

“Identity is a prison you can never escape, but the way to redeem your past is not to run from it, but to try to understand it, and use it as a foundation to grow.”-Jay Z

Have you ever taken the time to think about your identity? Or thought about the words you would use to describe yourself? Often we think about how others define us, but may not carefully consider how we define ourselves.

Why should we do this? What’s so important about focusing on our identity?

• Because it gives you an opportunity to think about what categories / words / adjectives you would use to describe you.
• Because it will help you make connections with other people who check the same boxes as you.
• Because understanding of self can help build empathy for others. Real empathy that builds connections, understanding, and community.

Here’s some ways that I would describe myself (the list is in no particular order):

If you were to take a moment and write your own list, how would you describe yourself? If we have things in common, how might that help us connect with one another?

How does thinking about identity connect to education, classrooms and culturally responsive teaching practices?

It connects because if we want our students to truly feel welcomed and comfortable in our classrooms / schools, then we need to acknowledge and embrace who they are as people, make connections to things that we have in common, and build understanding for who they are and how it shapes their life experiences.

It is important because acknowledging who people are makes their lives visible to us. It sends the message that who they are and what they bring to the table is important. It affirms that they matter. That they are enough, just the way they are.

When we make who they are visible, through identity webs, team building activities, and group discussion, it is more likely that we will see the complex, layered human standing before us instead of the generalization / stereotype they might represent.

And if we are truly honest with ourselves, then we can admit we do more when we build connections. We ask more questions. We investigate more deeply. We go the extra mile.

Culturally responsive practice is challenging work. You will come across obstacles. You will make mistakes. You will offend someone.

You will also make the right choices. You will build a strong community. You will learn and grow in ways you never expected.

Every step you take forward, no matter how small is progress. Starting with identity will help you build a strong foundation on which to grow your understanding.

Talking about identity is a manageable first step! So begin there. Then come back here for more ideas. We’ll take this journey together.