Reflections from a Black instructor: teaching when the minority is the majority

Abstract

Most diversity work and equity courses are centered around majoritarian populations learning about minoritized communities. But what happens when the minority is the majority and diversity is the main topic of the course? This personal narrative essay highlights my previous experience teaching a course of all Black women as a self-identifying Black woman. My undergraduate experience has been the primary motivation for pursuing teaching, and I wanted to ensure that no one else had to encounter the turmoil and suffering I did as a young student. Diversity work is more complex than just acknowledging that different groups of people exist, rather it is a process of constant self-reflection, meditation, and practice that actively promotes healthy spaces. This essay illustrates how I demonstrated inclusivity in the classroom while showcasing reflections of my experience teaching a course where the minority was the majority.