George Jerry Sefa Dei – författare

Anti-racism studies have blossomed over the years with scholarship and political work reinforcing each other to cement anti-racist change. But how do we understand anti-racist research? How is anti-racist research methodology different from other methods of research investigation? What are the principles of anti-racism research? This edited collection attempts to provide some answers by bringing together works that examine the perils and desires of anti-racist research with a particular focus on the notion of ‘difference’ and a serious consideration of the race, gender, class, and sexuality intersections/implications of educational research.

Crash Politics and Antiracism argues that race and racism continue to script the social fabric in Euro-North America. While dominant discourses claim that we have made significant progress away from racial bigotry, there is no shortage of evidence that inequitable ideologies of race prevail. Similarly, mainstream cinematic productions have mass appeal, yet tend to demonstrate and cement the racial ideologies that circulate in society. As such, they can be used either for the propagation of dominant ideologies or in the development of critical consciousness. Crash Politics and Antiracism does the latter, understanding the award-winning film Crash as an especially interesting pedagogical site, for while to many it offers a fresh analysis of race and racism, the antiracist analyses in this book suggest that it recycles oppressive understandings of race. The essays in this collection, written from a variety of racial locations, provide readings of Crash that seek to disrupt the movie’s subtle messages and, more importantly, some of the intractable liberal notions of race that perpetuate racial inequity. The considerations raised in this volume will enrich critical conversations about how race and racism work in contemporary Euro-North American societies – whether these conversations occur in classrooms, boardrooms, or living rooms.

Crash Politics and Antiracism argues that race and racism continue to script the social fabric in Euro-North America. While dominant discourses claim that we have made significant progress away from racial bigotry, there is no shortage of evidence that inequitable ideologies of race prevail. Similarly, mainstream cinematic productions have mass appeal, yet tend to demonstrate and cement the racial ideologies that circulate in society. As such, they can be used either for the propagation of dominant ideologies or in the development of critical consciousness. Crash Politics and Antiracism does the latter, understanding the award-winning film Crash as an especially interesting pedagogical site, for while to many it offers a fresh analysis of race and racism, the antiracist analyses in this book suggest that it recycles oppressive understandings of race. The essays in this collection, written from a variety of racial locations, provide readings of Crash that seek to disrupt the movie’s subtle messages and, more importantly, some of the intractable liberal notions of race that perpetuate racial inequity. The considerations raised in this volume will enrich critical conversations about how race and racism work in contemporary Euro-North American societies – whether these conversations occur in classrooms, boardrooms, or living rooms.

Fanon and Education: Thinking Through Pedagogical Possibilities challenges conventional education to go beyond the formal procedures of schooling to engage in the making of multiple meanings of our world. Understanding education requires a holistic approach that extends beyond contemporary classrooms. Education must also be inclusive, addressing questions of difference, diversity, and power, as conceptualized through the lens of class, ethnicity, gender, disability, sexuality, religion, language, and indigeneity. These issues are thought of in the context of Fanon’s oeuvre, to articulate a social theory and progressive educational politics that can help us understand difference as political, as well as, dominant schooling, as a form of internalized oppression, that works differently on myriad bodies. Fanon and Education will have a broad appeal to readers who want to engage Fanon’s ideas in the schooling and educational politics of change and transformation. It should be read by all students, teachers, educational practitioners, community activists and researchers. This book will have a particular appeal for educators in teacher training colleges, as well as for graduate instruction in university departments of education, social work, and sociology.

Emerging Perspectives on ‘African Development’: Speaking Differently discusses numerous areas of interest and issues about Africa, including contemporary challenges and possibilities of development. The book critically engages the many ways of presenting ‘development,’ highlighting the interplay of tradition and modernity as well as contestations over knowledge production in ‘post-colonial’ Africa. It offers cautionary words to field practitioners, researchers, and social theorists who work in development using language that is easily accessible to laypersons. This book is also for undergraduate and graduate courses on development, global education, rural development, and Africa studies. For readers looking for something new about Africa beyond the old stories of catastrophes and human misery, this book will be indispensable. It demonstrates that even in the face of many failures, tragedies, and suffering, Africa’s stories can be told with hope and a sense of possibility.

Emerging Perspectives on ‘African Development’: Speaking Differently discusses numerous areas of interest and issues about Africa, including contemporary challenges and possibilities of development. The book critically engages the many ways of presenting ‘development,’ highlighting the interplay of tradition and modernity as well as contestations over knowledge production in ‘post-colonial’ Africa. It offers cautionary words to field practitioners, researchers, and social theorists who work in development using language that is easily accessible to laypersons. This book is also for undergraduate and graduate courses on development, global education, rural development, and Africa studies. For readers looking for something new about Africa beyond the old stories of catastrophes and human misery, this book will be indispensable. It demonstrates that even in the face of many failures, tragedies, and suffering, Africa’s stories can be told with hope and a sense of possibility.

Contemporary Issues in the Sociology of Race and Ethnicity: A Critical Reader occupies, expands, and challenges the issues raised by critical race theory. Fleshing out the theoretical pillars of Critical Anti-Racist Theory (CART) as its central organizing framework, this text responds to the central issue of race in terms of public and academic discourses, meta-narratives, and its implications for social policy. Drawing from popular culture, this edited collection features a variety of real-world analyses, from media bias to contentious Africentric school programs. This collection serves as a timely and accessible text for academic and wider audiences. In addition to outlining the philosophical underpinnings of CART, the text considers how this theory may inform current socio-political dynamics in a wide, globally-reaching range of areas. This book could be used in the undergraduate and graduate levels in these disciplines: Anthropology, Diaspora Studies, Education, Ethnic Studies, Law, Multiculturalism Studies, Politics, Social Work, and Sociology.

Contemporary Issues in the Sociology of Race and Ethnicity: A Critical Reader occupies, expands, and challenges the issues raised by critical race theory. Fleshing out the theoretical pillars of Critical Anti-Racist Theory (CART) as its central organizing framework, this text responds to the central issue of race in terms of public and academic discourses, meta-narratives, and its implications for social policy. Drawing from popular culture, this edited collection features a variety of real-world analyses, from media bias to contentious Africentric school programs. This collection serves as a timely and accessible text for academic and wider audiences. In addition to outlining the philosophical underpinnings of CART, the text considers how this theory may inform current socio-political dynamics in a wide, globally-reaching range of areas. This book could be used in the undergraduate and graduate levels in these disciplines: Anthropology, Diaspora Studies, Education, Ethnic Studies, Law, Multiculturalism Studies, Politics, Social Work, and Sociology.

Are we living in a post-colonial world? A colonial one? An anti-colonial one? Lifting the veil from language and politics, Anti-Colonial Theory and Decolonial Praxis uses case studies from around the world to explore and untangle these concepts as they relate to education. The anti-colonial prism is very much connected to the postcolonial lens but these frameworks are not the same. Building upon earlier works, this book takes up the subject of anti-colonial praxis and its specific implications—the larger questions of schooling and education in global and, particularly, Diasporic contexts. The goal is to re-theorize the anti-colonial for the decolonial projects of transforming schooling and education in a broadly defined way. Beyond explaining these ideas, this book demonstrates ways communities are engaging in praxis as a form of anti-colonial change in a wide range of locations. Incorporating case studies from various locations and Diasporic communities—including Somalia, Canada, Nigeria, Jamaica, and St. Vincent—and provocative theoretical analyses, the book brings varied experiences of anti-colonial praxis to the reader in timely, culturally diverse, and engaging ways. This book could be used in upper undergraduate and graduate level courses in anthropology, Diaspora studies, education, environmental studies, ethnic studies, gender studies, law, multiculturalism studies, politics, social work, and sociology.

Are we living in a post-colonial world? A colonial one? An anti-colonial one? Lifting the veil from language and politics, Anti-Colonial Theory and Decolonial Praxis uses case studies from around the world to explore and untangle these concepts as they relate to education. The anti-colonial prism is very much connected to the postcolonial lens but these frameworks are not the same. Building upon earlier works, this book takes up the subject of anti-colonial praxis and its specific implications—the larger questions of schooling and education in global and, particularly, Diasporic contexts. The goal is to re-theorize the anti-colonial for the decolonial projects of transforming schooling and education in a broadly defined way. Beyond explaining these ideas, this book demonstrates ways communities are engaging in praxis as a form of anti-colonial change in a wide range of locations. Incorporating case studies from various locations and Diasporic communities—including Somalia, Canada, Nigeria, Jamaica, and St. Vincent—and provocative theoretical analyses, the book brings varied experiences of anti-colonial praxis to the reader in timely, culturally diverse, and engaging ways. This book could be used in upper undergraduate and graduate level courses in anthropology, Diaspora studies, education, environmental studies, ethnic studies, gender studies, law, multiculturalism studies, politics, social work, and sociology.

African Proverbs as Epistemologies of Decolonization calls for a rethinking of education by engaging African proverbs as valuable and salient epistemologies for contemporary times. The book addresses the pedagogic, instructional, and communicative relevance of African proverbs for decolonizing schooling and education in pluralistic contexts by questioning the instructional, pedagogic, and communications lessons of these proverbs and how they can be employed in the education of contemporary youth. It presents a critical discursive analysis of proverbs from selected African contexts, highlighting the underlying knowledge base that informs these cultural expressions. Explore alongside the book the ways in which these Indigenous teachings can be engaged by schools and educators to further the objective of decolonizing education by providing a framework for character education. This character-based framework equips the learner to be knowledgeable about power, equity, ethics and morality, and to develop a conscience for social responsibility, as well as to embrace traditional notions of self-discipline, probity, and hard work. This text goes beyond the mere documentation of proverbs to tease out how embedded knowledge and cultural referents in these knowledge bases and systems are critical for transforming education for young learners today.

African Proverbs as Epistemologies of Decolonization calls for a rethinking of education by engaging African proverbs as valuable and salient epistemologies for contemporary times. The book addresses the pedagogic, instructional, and communicative relevance of African proverbs for decolonizing schooling and education in pluralistic contexts by questioning the instructional, pedagogic, and communications lessons of these proverbs and how they can be employed in the education of contemporary youth. It presents a critical discursive analysis of proverbs from selected African contexts, highlighting the underlying knowledge base that informs these cultural expressions. Explore alongside the book the ways in which these Indigenous teachings can be engaged by schools and educators to further the objective of decolonizing education by providing a framework for character education. This character-based framework equips the learner to be knowledgeable about power, equity, ethics and morality, and to develop a conscience for social responsibility, as well as to embrace traditional notions of self-discipline, probity, and hard work. This text goes beyond the mere documentation of proverbs to tease out how embedded knowledge and cultural referents in these knowledge bases and systems are critical for transforming education for young learners today.

This book draws inspiration from the author’s own scholarship on race, anti-Blackness, Indigeneity, and anti-colonial studies to offer the personal travelogue of a Black scholar in academia. The author reflects on how he came to a critical consciousness about critical issues of race, anti-Black racism, and anti-colonial studies in the 1980s. The intersecting theme of Black scholars’ responsibility for advancing a path of Blackcentricity wedded in Black and African Indigeneities to address global anti-Black racism and anti-Blackness is an important intellectual pursuit.In the struggle for true liberation, our work for social justice, equity, decolonization, and the anti-colonial end is only possible if we embrace critical solidarity through Indigenous resistance and community building. We must all be part of an on-going struggle; those of us with the privilege of being familiar with history have a responsibility to mentor and be mentored by our young colleagues as a nurturing of the power of knowledge."How fortunate we are that in The Black Scholar Travelogue in Academia Professor George Jerry Sefa Dei provides a timely, comprehensive guide for practical/critical Black theorizing and counter- hegemonic knowledge production as a weapon of change and social transformation. Unapologetically embedded in his African Indigeneity, drawing on a powerful body of decolonizing scholarship, and deftly posing and courageously answering politically complex questions about race, identity and coloniality, his journey exemplifies the solidarity we need. My students really need this book. It is a tour de force."— Joyce E. King, Benjamin E. Mays Endowed Chair for Urban Teaching, Learning & Leadership, Georgia State University"George J. Sefa Dei is known internationally for his scholarship and activism, in pursuit of social justice and meaningful antiracist education, in a world disfigured by oppression and coloniality. In this landmark publication Dei reflects on his journey through academia; the past battles and continuing struggles that face anyone who is serious about challenging the Global forces of anti-Blackness. A powerful personal reflection on a storied career."— David Gillborn, Editor- in- Chief of the international journal Race Ethnicity and Education"A powerful plea from the heart for a respectful, peaceful, truly decolonised world from Nana, our foremost beloved Indigenous African scholar and sage. There can be no better message of love and hope for our times."— Heidi Safia Mirza, Professor Emerita, University College London, author of Race, Gender, and Educational Desire"Throughout his working life, Prof. Nana George Sefa Dei has engaged in liberatory scholarly praxis that extends beyond the academy and cuts across international frontiers. He has been fierce in challenging Euro-centric hegemonic discourses in education, and at the forefront of epistemic intervention in studies of race, racism, and coloniality/decoloniality. In this pursuit Dr. Dei has generated ideas, texts, and pedagogies as part of his offerings to ensure the creation a future worth living. His work is exemplary. And with it, he has changed the world.In this current work, as Canada’s leading anti- colonial and critical race studies scholar, Dei fleshes out the problem of colonial violence in education, scholarship, and in social systems as a whole. At the heart of this work is the author’s examination of global anti-Black racism that has held the world in thrall. Dei critiques how this has robbed Black people of life, liberty, and happiness. Yet, influenced by his Akan cultural understandings and concepts of African indigeneity, Prof. Dei offers a vital antidote to this state of affair. This balm not only can heal Black trauma and pain, but also usher in a liberatory future for us all."— Afua Cooper, Killam Research Professor, Dalhousie University

This book draws inspiration from the author’s own scholarship on race, anti-Blackness, Indigeneity, and anti-colonial studies to offer the personal travelogue of a Black scholar in academia. The author reflects on how he came to a critical consciousness about critical issues of race, anti-Black racism, and anti-colonial studies in the 1980s. The intersecting theme of Black scholars’ responsibility for advancing a path of Blackcentricity wedded in Black and African Indigeneities to address global anti-Black racism and anti-Blackness is an important intellectual pursuit.In the struggle for true liberation, our work for social justice, equity, decolonization, and the anti-colonial end is only possible if we embrace critical solidarity through Indigenous resistance and community building. We must all be part of an on-going struggle; those of us with the privilege of being familiar with history have a responsibility to mentor and be mentored by our young colleagues as a nurturing of the power of knowledge."How fortunate we are that in The Black Scholar Travelogue in Academia Professor George Jerry Sefa Dei provides a timely, comprehensive guide for practical/critical Black theorizing and counter- hegemonic knowledge production as a weapon of change and social transformation. Unapologetically embedded in his African Indigeneity, drawing on a powerful body of decolonizing scholarship, and deftly posing and courageously answering politically complex questions about race, identity and coloniality, his journey exemplifies the solidarity we need. My students really need this book. It is a tour de force."— Joyce E. King, Benjamin E. Mays Endowed Chair for Urban Teaching, Learning & Leadership, Georgia State University"George J. Sefa Dei is known internationally for his scholarship and activism, in pursuit of social justice and meaningful antiracist education, in a world disfigured by oppression and coloniality. In this landmark publication Dei reflects on his journey through academia; the past battles and continuing struggles that face anyone who is serious about challenging the Global forces of anti-Blackness. A powerful personal reflection on a storied career."— David Gillborn, Editor- in- Chief of the international journal Race Ethnicity and Education"A powerful plea from the heart for a respectful, peaceful, truly decolonised world from Nana, our foremost beloved Indigenous African scholar and sage. There can be no better message of love and hope for our times."— Heidi Safia Mirza, Professor Emerita, University College London, author of Race, Gender, and Educational Desire"Throughout his working life, Prof. Nana George Sefa Dei has engaged in liberatory scholarly praxis that extends beyond the academy and cuts across international frontiers. He has been fierce in challenging Euro-centric hegemonic discourses in education, and at the forefront of epistemic intervention in studies of race, racism, and coloniality/decoloniality. In this pursuit Dr. Dei has generated ideas, texts, and pedagogies as part of his offerings to ensure the creation a future worth living. His work is exemplary. And with it, he has changed the world.In this current work, as Canada’s leading anti- colonial and critical race studies scholar, Dei fleshes out the problem of colonial violence in education, scholarship, and in social systems as a whole. At the heart of this work is the author’s examination of global anti-Black racism that has held the world in thrall. Dei critiques how this has robbed Black people of life, liberty, and happiness. Yet, influenced by his Akan cultural understandings and concepts of African indigeneity, Prof. Dei offers a vital antidote to this state of affair. This balm not only can heal Black trauma and pain, but also usher in a liberatory future for us all."— Afua Cooper, Killam Research Professor, Dalhousie University

This is a powerful collection addressing the challenges, possibilities and responsibilities for de/anti-colonial African educational futurities. The book is framed within an anti-colonial interrogation of collective educational leadership, responsibility and accountability to address the invisibilization and marginalization of African Indigenous knowledge systems and to examine the critical role these knowledges can play in the decolonization of African education.

This book explores how the cultural knowledge of Indigenous African Elders and educational practitioners can transform education in Canada and beyond. Drawing on research in Ghana, South Africa, and Canada, it examines how Elders’ wisdom rooted in Indigenous ontologies, epistemologies, and axiologies offers vital insights for creating inclusive, just, and decolonized educational systems. Elders are moral educators, knowledge keepers, and community leaders whose teachings challenge colonial assumptions in schooling and redefine ideas of discipline, learning, and responsibility. Their lessons call for repairing education to nurture wholeness, respect, and relational accountability. The book invites readers to reconsider what counts as knowledge and who is authorized to teach.

Playing the Race Card reflects and engages the dynamic nature of racialized experience in Western contexts. It examines today’s anti-racism project to discern how it might benefit from integrating strategies that work toward the development of critical consciousness as its main goal. So that the privileged and the oppressed alike may reflexively examine their own subject positions, this book identifies and addresses the need to develop a working model for anti-racism strategies. Given the need to understand and move beyond static conceptions of race and racism, Playing the Race Card offers both a critique of mainstream/privileged perceptions of racial oppression, as well as a direction forward within a more «organic» approach to social reform.

Fanon and Education: Thinking Through Pedagogical Possibilities challenges conventional education to go beyond the formal procedures of schooling to engage in the making of multiple meanings of our world. Understanding education requires a holistic approach that extends beyond contemporary classrooms. Education must also be inclusive, addressing questions of difference, diversity, and power, as conceptualized through the lens of class, ethnicity, gender, disability, sexuality, religion, language, and indigeneity. These issues are thought of in the context of Fanon’s oeuvre, to articulate a social theory and progressive educational politics that can help us understand difference as political, as well as, dominant schooling, as a form of internalized oppression, that works differently on myriad bodies. Fanon and Education will have a broad appeal to readers who want to engage Fanon’s ideas in the schooling and educational politics of change and transformation. It should be read by all students, teachers, educational practitioners, community activists and researchers. This book will have a particular appeal for educators in teacher training colleges, as well as for graduate instruction in university departments of education, social work, and sociology.