Marcia Davis, OFLA Secondary Language Learning Chair & OFLA Diversity Committee Chair
Assistant Principal/Former Spanish Teacher, World Language Middle School

In the ever-evolving landscape of education, there is a question that echoes loudly: How can we ensure that African-American students have equal opportunities to pursue world language education in high school and beyond? There are strategies to engage, attract, and empower African-American students in language study while addressing the persistent lack of diversity in upper-level language classes.

World language education is more than just learning grammar and vocabulary; it’s a gateway to cultural understanding, global competency, and diverse perspectives. It enriches students’ lives, broadens their horizons, and equips them for success in an increasingly interconnected world.

How can we engage and attract African-American Students? 

1. Offer Culturally Relevant Curriculum: Develop curricula that resonate with the experiences and interests of African-American students. Incorporate texts, authors, and themes that reflect students’ cultural heritage and that explore the racial, ethnic, and cultural diversity among the people who speak the languages that are presented, beyond the way languages have traditionally been taught.
2. Work to Employ Diverse Faculty: Hire and retain diverse world language teachers who can serve as relatable role models. Representation matters and fosters a sense of belonging.
3. Provide Community Outreach: Engage with local African-American communities, organizations, and families to highlight the value of language learning and dispel misconceptions about language study.
4. Sponsor Cultural Events: Organize cultural events, language clubs, and activities that celebrate and showcase the richness of the languages and cultures being studied, including the use of images and artifacts, highlighting the accomplishments, and amplifying the voices of those who share their African heritage and speak the languages they are studying.
5. Offer Scholarships and Support: At the university level, offer scholarships and financial incentives for African-American students to pursue language study. Provide academic support, tutoring, and mentorship.
6. Establish Partnerships: Collaborate with colleges and universities to create pathways for high school students to continue their language studies at the post-secondary level.
7. Promote Internships and Exchanges: Facilitate internships, study abroad opportunities and exchanges that immerse students in languages and cultures, making the learning experience tangible.

Additionally, as with anything that is valued, if we really want to see the diversity that is often talked about, and we want to begin to ensure that there are equitable opportunities for African-American learners, there are a number of steps we can take. As educators, we must advocate for equitable distribution of resources, experienced teachers, and language course offerings across schools and districts. We must launch campaigns that emphasize the real-world advantages of language proficiency in business and industry and the importance of developing global citizens to promote the value of advanced language study to African-American students. We must provide training for teachers to create inclusive classrooms and to recognize and address unconscious biases among educators and learners and families, that may impact student placement. We must establish mentorship programs and provide opportunities for African-American students to connect with successful language learners and professionals. We must also engage with parents and families of African-American students to showcase the benefits of advanced language study and provide support for students seeking to increase their language proficiency.

The pursuit of world language education by African-American students is not just a matter of checking off the equity and diversity box on the rubric; it is an investment in a future where diverse voices and perspectives shape our global society. By engaging, attracting, and empowering African-American students in language study, we foster cultural understanding and equip them and others with the tools to thrive in our interconnected world. We help them to see that they, too, are part of the tapestry that intentionally gives necessary, valuable, significant beauty to this world through the unity and diversity of languages and cultures.

Together, we can break down barriers and disrupt patterns of traditional pathways and participation to ensure that every student has the opportunity to explore the world through language.