An Oral History Project Conducted by John Robert Lewis Fellow Johana Dauphin
Project Description
After reading We Are an African People by Dr. Russell Rickford, I became deeply interested in the history and impact of independent Black schools (IBS),educational spaces rooted in the Freedom School tradition that emerged prominently during the Black Power era. As someone passionate about the intersection of racial justice and education, I chose to interview Aminata Umoja, an activist and founder of Kilombo Academic and Cultural Institute, an independent Black school in Decatur, that centers culturally responsive teaching and learning. This project felt especially timely given the growing backlash against critical race theory and efforts to suppress honest conversations about race in education nationwide.
Oral History Interview with Aminata Umoja – 06/18/2025
Presentation Slides
