An issue of much concern, and under much scrutiny and debate, is the persistent and extensive under-representation of African American students in gifted education. A number of efforts have been proposed and implemented to improve their recruitment and retention, but to little or no avail Progress has been slow or non-existent in many cases. In…

Develops a theory of black studies by examining the works of the foremost writers in, and critics of, the field. Uses the history of the black intellectual tradition as a frame and places black studies in the context of multicultural studies, the contemporary academy, and the development of the global economy and culture. Discusses Afrocentricity…

Examines traditional notions of positivism and rational-linear thinking that have guided public school practice, interrogating modernist concepts of the melting pot and multiculturalism through an African American and critical theoretical voice. Offers a postmodernist perspective grounded in spirituality that welcomes involving the whole self in…

The article describes Temple University's doctoral program in African-American studies, notes the awarding of the first Ph.D. in the program, and discusses controversy surrounding the Afrocentric emphasis of the program. (DB)

This article presents the lessons that a team of evaluators learned during a study of a multicultural initiative in a large, Midwestern school district. During the evaluation process, three incidents brought the evaluators' multicultural best intentions into sharp focus. This article describes the evaluation's framework and process and then…

The attempt by many urban school districts to develop African curricula creates a dilemma, because it usually places an African-centered program in a multicultural curriculum that is centered in the European-American educational tradition. Currently, some elements of an African and African-centered curriculum may be found in the multicultural…

Presents issues and methods used in teaching an African American psychology course. Discusses theories about Afrocentrism, identity, education, family, and mental health as they relate to African Americans. Contends that the course adds diverse perspectives to the psychology curriculum. (CFR)

Maintains that the challenges of multicultural education include providing reliable information about civilizations for which reliable information is difficult to find. Offers an overview of the history, culture, and significance of the ancient African civilization of Kush. Provides a list of student and teacher references. (CFR)

Compares three cases in Atlanta, GA, New York state, and Washington, DC, in which advocates fought to have an Afrocentric curriculum implemented in public schools' social studies and history classes. Examines the influences of six local organizational factors on the proposed curricular changes. (CMK)

Discusses the growing disagreement between Afrocentrists and supporters of Western tradition. Addresses separatism, ethnocentrism, and the push for a pluralistic national curriculum with national testing. Suggests that the more important question may be how and whether schools can function in the profound religiosity of both sides. (DK)

Explores the intersection of race and gender by examining two ascendant political discourses about African American males: (1) Afrocentrism; and (2) black feminist thought. Reviews recent African American history and the development of both Afrocentrism and black feminism. (CFR)

Contends that a major focus of contemporary U.S. education is the nature and character of interethnic relationships. Discusses five models of ethnic relations: (1) traditional Eurocentric Racism; (2) Melting Pot Assimilationism; (3) Ethnic Nationalism; (4) Globalism; and (5) Centered Pluralism. (CFR)

Contends that Afrocentricity is beginning to emerge as a powerful force within the African American community. Discusses issues related to Afrocentrism and educational reform. Argues that Afrocentrism can be a complementary aspect of multicultural education. (CFR)