Pedagogy of the Black Child

David E. Kirkland is an acclaimed writer and cultural critic whose work explores the intersections of race, education, and justice. As the founder and CEO of forwardED, his scholarship and advocacy for educational transformation centers dignity, vulnerable children, and their communities. Known for his passionate voice and deeply personal narratives, Kirkland’s words continue to inspire educators, policymakers, and readers to push beyond boundaries and engage in critical conversations that advance equity and change.

• 1. Re-membering 2. The Evidence of Things Not Seen 3. The Autumn of 1983 4. The Space Between Us 5. Confronting Ghosts 6. Passing Innocence 7. Crowns 8. Daydreaming 9. The Pain Nobody Talks About 10. Sunrise 11. Between Home and School 12. Across the Table A Closing Thought: On the Promise of Dignity Epilogue: Returning to How?

"Like DuBois, Woodson, (Anna Julia) Cooper, James Baldwin, and bell hooks before him, Kirkland has rightly identified the need to teach Black students in this nation in a way that affirms their humanity, accurately depicts their history, and documents their intellect. This volume is a must read for anyone committed to educating ALL students well."Gloria Ladson-Billings, University of Wisconsin, Madison, Author of Dreamkeepers"In Pedagogy of the Black Child, David Kirkland gifts us a language to see how 'vulnerability' moves under the skin and into the souls, the eyes, of children being raised in poverty, drenched in racism, perhaps unseen in their schools. In a text braided with memoir, history and pedagogy, penned in a blended ink of love and pain, Kirkland insists that we see, hear and sit alongside the innocence of Black children and help them grow wings in a nation that has denied them dignity and dreams. And still they fly. Thank you, David. As you weave Fanon and Frankl, Lorde and Morrison, Coates and Shakespeare, you accompany readers into The Void that boils just below our feet and you demand that we nourish Black children’s rich, irrepressible will to be seen, to be loved and to live.When you begin the book, you warn: it won’t be easy. And you kept your promise. But the story you unfold is a fractured, racialized and classed mirror on childhood under racial capitalism in America – too long ignored. You craft a call to action drenched in love."Michelle Fine, Distinguished Professor of Critical Psychology, The Graduate Center CUNY, Visiting Scholar, University of South Africa"In Pedagogy of the Black Child, Dr. David E. Kirkland captures the profound complexities and the enduring promise of educating Black children. As a graduate of Detroit Public Schools, Dr. Kirkland offers an intimate and authentic perspective that resonates deeply with those of us committed to equity and empowerment. His work is more than a call to action; it is a roadmap rooted in compassion, cultural affirmation and high expectations. Dr. Kirkland’s insights challenge us to reimagine education for Black children, making Pedagogy of the Black Child an invaluable resource for any leader dedicated to fostering spaces where all students can thrive."Nikolai Vitti, Superintendent, Detroit Public Schools Community District"We need this organic, compelling book, and we need it now! Against dismal political and educational landscapes, Pedagogy of the Black Child offers humanizing guidance, hope and concrete actions for educators and parents of Black children. Like the Dogon people of Mali who tell children, 'Become who you are,' the book makes it clear that, guided by excellent pedagogues and dreamkeepers, Black children can and will soar while keeping their Blackness and souls intact. This book was healing for me and will heal Black educators—as we were all once children. It is candid, raw, complex, and loving. We are reminded that teaching is sweet labor and requires intentionality. Pedagogy of the Black Child astutely outlines the root of the problem and offers strong, viable solutions to erase negative effects of endemic anti-Blackness while multiplying positive impacts. This book is heavy and refreshing at the same time. Compelling, disturbing, and redemptive—it reads like a beautiful semi-autobiographical novel and educational text. As I read this spiritual pedagogy, I could not put it down. It personifies the reality of many Black children. Thank you, David!Gloria Swindler Boutte, Distinguished Professor; University of South Carolina, Author/co-author of Pro-Blackness in Early Childhood Education: Diversifying curriculum and pedagogy in K-3 classrooms; Revolutionary love for Early Childhood classrooms. Nurturing the brilliance of young Black children; Educating African American students. And how are the children; and We be lovin’ Black children. Learning to be literate about the African Diaspora"Deeply personal, close to the heart, honest – and full of joy, love, and hope – Dr. David Kirkland’s Pedagogy of the Black Child is the book that we need right now. It is right on time. In his book, Dr. Kirkland weaves together his personal experiences, family stories, research, critical theories, and teaching to offer a pedagogy in which we can all truly be free. A pedagogy that begs us to remember our past, to build better classrooms and schooling experiences- rooted in care, hope, and love. Reading this book is sitting down with David, over a cup of tea, and having a deep conversation about children and youth, education, equity, teaching, and our labor as teachers to fiercely love all children – so that they may fly."Tracey T. Flores, Ph.D., Associate Professor, Language and Literacy, Founder, Somos Escritoras "This powerful book offers a deeply moving exploration of resilience, community, and the transformative impact of compassionate education. Through vivid memories and honest reflection, the author illuminates the profound role that hope and belonging play in the lives of vulnerable children. Grounded in kindness, the book exemplifies how a single figure can inspire change—not by giving answers, but by creating a safe space for discovery. At a time when many are losing hope, this book masterfully captures the spirit of care, community, and growth, making it an essential read for anyone who believes in the potential of every child to soar."Curtis L. Lewis, Ph.D., Chairman and CEO of Black Male Educators Alliance (BMEA)"Pedagogy of the Black Child is courageously written, striking an often-elusive balance between art and science, with a confluence of information that stimulates our thoughts and grips our hearts with a hope that can lead to action. This book should be a must-read for educators at all levels and anyone who has ever been educated in any rural, urban, or suburban environment. The lessons, reflections, and calls for action are soberly practical and realistically attainable."Dr. Kelvin L. Banks, Chief Executive Officer, President and Founder of B.E.S.T. Solutions"In Pedagogy of the Black Child, through brilliant and personal prose, David Kirkland makes plain the imperative of leading with love as an essential element of the foundation of an effective and empowering pedagogy of Black children. In a world and educational landscape that continues to define Black children in negative – and often dehumanizing – terms, Kirkland vulnerably reflects on his own experiences. By sharing beautiful and intimate details of his own life, he sets the stage to recognize how the 'labor of love' can work against structural and systemic forces that complicate the reality of Black children, challenging us to use love and humanity to cut through those forces. Simultaneously, he stops along the journey to question and offer practical strategies for the themes that arise through his reflections. This is a simply brilliant contribution to challenge our understanding of theory and practice, pedagogy, scholarly presentation, and, most importantly, Black children."Joseph Flynn, Professor of Curriculum and Instruction at Northern Illinois University, Author of White Fatigue: Rethinking Resistance for Social Justice"Pedagogy of the Black Child is a revolutionary love story, an urgent call to action and an unapologetic celebration of wisdom in the face of adversity. In brilliantly poetic prose, Dr. David Kirkland conveys a story of personal and communal transformation that serves as a north star for all of us in the search for freedom, for ourselves, for our beautiful Black children, and our under-siege communities."Brian Lewis, Systems Change Leader and Cradle to Career Champion , Executive Director of ROC the Future Alliance