“So When It Comes Out, They Aren’t That Surprised That It Is There”: Using Critical Race Theory as a Tool of Analysis of Race and Racism in Education

Abstract

J asmine,' an African-American 9thexamining the educational experiences of cluding areas that can be considered upper grade student, described the racial and African-American students. Critical Race class, middle class, and less affluent areas. cultural climate at Wells Academy, an Theory (CRT) is a useful perspective from Most of the African American students, elite, predominately White, independent which to explore such phenomena. In this however, are considered middle class.2 school. She stated, Everybody knows that article, we will illustrate how CRT can be Two such African-American students racism exists and that people are racist. So used to examine the experiences of were Malcolm and Barbara. Malcolm was when it comes out, they [faculty and stuAfrican-American students. We will use a 17-year-old senior from a middle-class dents] aren't that surprised that it is there. the counterstories of African-American family. He was very active in school leadAs Jasmine asserted, racism is prevalent in students at Wells Academy, an elite, preership activities and was an athlete. Barall aspects of society, with schools not dominately White, independent school. bara was an 18-year-old recent graduate being an exception. However, what is Wells Academy from a prominent, upper-class family. She most interesting about her statement is was also very active in school leadership thatWells Academy is located in a major city activities. Both students were very proud monplace within the school walls that in an affluent, predominately White area of their African-American heritage and monplace within the school walls that in the southeastern United States. Propoften participated in the African-Ameriwhen it appears, e erty values in this community range from can cultural activities at Wells. has already begun to understand the per$450,000 to over $3 million. Wells has Because of Malcolm's and Barbara's