The Blackboard

Michelle DeJohnette
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  • EDUCATION
  • UPDATED BIWEEKLY

Black children experience racial and gendered bias that often leads to disproportionate punishment, surveillance, and criminalization in early learning spaces. Yet much of the research on these injustices remains locked in academic circles. The Blackboard bridges that gap. Hosted by Dr. Michelle DeJohnette, this podcast brings together scholars, educators, and families to reveal how systemic inequities shape Black children’s early learning experiences—and how we can disrupt them. Each episode blends research, resistance, and real stories to make scholarship accessible, actionable, and rooted in justice. Join us as we expose inequities, uplift voices, and imagine liberatory futures for Black childhood.

Episodes

  1. Let Black Boys Play!

    FEB 3

    Let Black Boys Play!

    Episode 1: Let Black Boys Play! with Dr. Nathaniel Bryan Challenging Systemic Inequities In the inaugural episode of the Blackboard podcast, host Dr. Michelle DeJohnette introduces the podcast’s focus on the experiences of Black children in early childhood education, highlighting systemic inequities and discussing solutions. Dr. DeJohnette's first guest is Dr. Nathaniel Bryan, a scholar whose research centers on the identities and pedagogical styles of black male teachers, the schooling realities of black boys, and teacher preparation for urban early childhood education. Dr. Bryan shares insights into his pioneering frameworks, Black Boy Crit Pedagogy and Black Play Crit, which aim to challenge and dismantle anti-blackness in education. The discussion covers the impact of racial and gendered inequities on black boys' education, the importance of creating humane and liberating educational spaces, and the role of educators, policymakers, and families in fostering environments that support Black children's joy and learning. Dr. Bryan also recounts his personal motivations stemming from the tragic death of Tamir Rice and underscores the need for a societal shift towards genuinely valuing the humanity of black children. 00:00 Introduction to the Blackboard Podcast 00:26 Meet Dr. Nathaniel Bryan 02:56 The Importance of Discussing Black Boyhood 06:21 The Impact of Tamir Rice's Story 15:13 Black Boy Crit Pedagogy and Black Play Crit 41:05 Broader Implications and Future Directions 50:19 Closing Thoughts and Staying Connected Follow @theblackboardpodcast on Instagram and subscribe on Apple podcast so you don’t miss the first episode. About the host Dr. Michelle DeJohnette is an Assistant Professor of Early Childhood Studies at Cal Poly Pomona. Her work focuses on preparing early childhood educators to teach critically and responsibly through anti-racist and social justice frameworks. Drawing on critical theories and culturally responsible pedagogy, her research interrogates how systems of discipline, punishment, and surveillance reproduce inequities and anti-Blackness in Black children’s early learning experiences. Across her teaching, research, and public scholarship, Dr. DeJohnette is committed to building inclusive, liberatory learning spaces where all children and families are seen, valued, and supported. Credits Cover art by: Emporium Designs; Podcast BrandingOutro Music: "Lift Every Voice and Sing" Thomasina Petrus & Kashimana Ahua Stay connected Follow on Instagram: @theblackboardpodcastSubscribe to The Blackboard PodcastShare this episode with an educator, parent, or colleague

    52 min

  2. JAN 16

    Trailer: Come Sit at the Blackboard

    Trailer: Come sit at the BlackboardThe Blackboard Podcast is a space to talk honestly about what’s happening in early childhood education—and what should be happening instead. In this trailer episode, Dr. DeJohnette introduces the purpose and vision behind The Blackboard Podcast, inviting educators, families, students, and community members into conversations that move beyond surface-level discussions of equity. This podcast brings research out of the academy and into community, making it accessible, relevant, and actionable. The Blackboard Podcast brings together scholarship, lived experience, and real stories to challenge harmful narratives and center the experiences of Black children in early learning spaces. Follow @theblackboardpodcast on Instagram and subscribe on Apple podcast so you don’t miss the first episode. About the host Dr. Michelle DeJohnette is an Assistant Professor of Early Childhood Studies at Cal Poly Pomona. Her work focuses on preparing early childhood educators to teach critically and responsibly through anti-racist and social justice frameworks. Drawing on critical theories and culturally responsible pedagogy, her research interrogates how systems of discipline, punishment, and surveillance reproduce inequities and anti-Blackness in Black children’s early learning experiences. Across her teaching, research, and public scholarship, Dr. DeJohnette is committed to building inclusive, liberatory learning spaces where all children and families are seen, valued, and supported. Credits Cover art by: Emporium Designs; Podcast Branding Stay connected Follow on Instagram: @theblackboardpodcastSubscribe to The Blackboard PodcastShare this episode with an educator, parent, or colleague

    1 min

Trailer

About

Black children experience racial and gendered bias that often leads to disproportionate punishment, surveillance, and criminalization in early learning spaces. Yet much of the research on these injustices remains locked in academic circles. The Blackboard bridges that gap. Hosted by Dr. Michelle DeJohnette, this podcast brings together scholars, educators, and families to reveal how systemic inequities shape Black children’s early learning experiences—and how we can disrupt them. Each episode blends research, resistance, and real stories to make scholarship accessible, actionable, and rooted in justice. Join us as we expose inequities, uplift voices, and imagine liberatory futures for Black childhood.

Information

  • Creator
    Michelle DeJohnette
  • Years Active
    2K
  • Episodes
    2
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2026 Michelle DeJohnette
  • Show Website
    The Blackboard