Historical Context
1. Colonial and Antebellum America: During the 17th and 18th centuries, as African slavery
became entrenched in North America, various laws were enacted to restrict the freedoms of enslaved Africans, including their educational opportunities. The Southern states, where
plantation economies were heavily reliant on slave labor, were particularly stringent about
these restrictions.
2. Legal Prohibitions: By the early 19th century, it became increasingly common for states to pass explicit laws that prohibited teaching enslaved people to read and write. For instance, after the 1831 Nat Turner rebellion—a revolt led by an educated slave—Virginia and other Southern states passed even stricter laws. The fear was that literacy would empower enslaved people to challenge their conditions, forge passes, organize revolts, and escape.
3. Post-Emancipation Restrictions: Even after the abolition of slavery following the Civil War, various mechanisms like Black Codes and later Jim Crow laws continued to severely limit the educational and economic opportunities of African Americans in the South.
Purpose and Impact
The primary purpose of these prohibitions was to maintain control over the enslaved population. Literacy was seen as a tool of empowerment, and by denying it, slaveholders aimed to prevent enslaved people from developing a sense of autonomy and resistance. Literacy could enable slaves to:
● Communicate more effectively and organize revolts.
● Forge documents like passes that could aid in escapes.
● Access abolitionist materials and other writings that advocated for their rights and human
dignity.
The denial of education formed part of a broader strategy to dehumanize African Americans and assert racial superiority by white supremacists. By keeping black people uneducated, white society could continue to dominate economically, socially, and politically.
Effect on the Black Community Today
The legacy of these historical practices is still felt today, contributing to educational disparities and systemic inequalities that affect African American communities. Understanding this history is crucial for addressing its long-term impacts and working toward true equality in education and beyond.
The struggle against these educational prohibitions also highlights the profound value that
education holds as a means of liberation and empowerment—a principle that has driven much of the civil rights activism in American history and continues to underpin efforts to achieve equality and justice for all.
What is Literacy?
Literacy is traditionally defined as the ability to read and write. However, its scope has
expanded to include a broader range of skills necessary to understand and use printed
material in daily life. This includes the ability to understand and interpret information,
communicate effectively, and use numerical, graphical, and digital information.
According to UNESCO, literacy is "the ability to identify, understand, interpret, create,
communicate, compute, and use printed and written materials associated with varying
contexts." This definition emphasizes the multifaceted nature of literacy, which extends
beyond basic reading and writing skills to encompass a range of abilities essential for
functioning in society.
Literacy is crucial for individual empowerment, economic development, and social
progress. It is not just about reading and writing but also about understanding and using
information effectively to participate fully in society.
Dr. Marcia K. Henry, former Advisory Board Member of the African American National
Spelling Bee Championships, Inc. (AANSBC) would say that no one is fully literate until
they learn how to read, write and spell.
What is Reparations?
Reparation refers to the act of making amends, offering compensation, or repairing a wrong. Historically, it pertains to remedial justice in cases where communities or groups have faced long-standing injustices or harm. For the Black community, reparations have been a topic of significant discussion as a means to address the enduring impacts of slavery and systemic discrimination. So, why haven’t we considered literacy as a form of reparations?
Why Should Literacy be a Form of Reparations?
Literacy is a fundamental human right and a cornerstone of empowerment. Yet, disparities in literacy levels continue to affect Black communities disproportionately, reflecting broader educational and socio-economic inequalities.
Through "Literacy is our Reparation," we advocate for a world where reparative justice includes ensuring that every individual in the Black community is equipped with literacy skills. This not only aids in personal and professional development but also enriches the community's ability to advocate for itself, participate fully in society, and secure better opportunities.
The Impact of Literacy
1. Economic Empowerment: Literacy enhances job prospects, increases earning potential, and fuels economic growth.
2. Social Equity: When literacy rates rise within historically marginalized communities, we see a reduction in social disparities.
3. Cultural Strength: Literacy preserves and promotes the understanding of cultural heritage, which is vital for community identity and cohesion.
