“The Poetry of the Future” Black Anarchism, Abolition, and an Imagined Future for Critical Black Education

Abstract

Discussions of Black anarchism are rarely, if ever, found in the fields of educational theory and research. Characterizations of Black anarchism often paint it as a philosophy and praxis to be feared—as a movement that promotes violence and chaos. Yet, as the authors of this piece argue, Black anarchism is exactly the opposite: promoting a vision of a world that is free from the control of the State, absent of white supremacy and capitalism, and anchored in radical community care. Therefore, drawing from the rich lineage of Black anarchist thought, the imprisoned Black radical tradition, and abolition; the authors present an invitation for educators to utilize Black anarchism as a lens for curriculum, pedagogy, and praxis. This conceptual piece aims to not only demystify the concept of Black anarchy within the field of education, but points to the radical promises inherent within Black anarchy during the most recent, intense attacks on critical Black education within the United States.

Keywords:

• Black anarchy,
• abolition,
• Black education,
• critical education,
• incarceration