The Case for Racial Literacy

Racial literacy is widespread in America, and as adult literacy educators our mission is to address illiteracy in all its manifestations. We teach literacies in reading and writing, numeracy, computer, speaking, listening, visual, health, and media, each vital to making sense of our world and functioning effectively in it. Racial literacy is just as vital and should be taught as well. I argue that racial literacy is critical to a meaningful civic and community life. Some scholars believe it is critical to the perseverance of democracy. At the very least, many adult learners do not possess an understanding of what race is, how it operates in our personal lives and institutions, the history that impacts the present, and how to communicate effectively about it. Whether in writing or speaking abour race and racism, many of us lack confidence. As adult literacy professionals it is incumbent upon us to teach racial literacy skills.