On March 1st, members of Liberation at the Margins (LAM) Collective, OPEEP’s learning community at ORW, presented at the National Council of Teachers of English Assembly for Research Annual Conference(NCTEAR). The Chair of this year’s conference, Dr. Dorian Harrison (OSU Newark), invited LAM to give the afternoon plenary address. The conference theme was narratives of hope, and LAM presented on “Black Feminist Literacies in the Classroom and Beyond.” This was one of LAM’s rare opportunities to engage in a public presentation about our work.
As Dr. Harrison and Dr. Morris made introductory remarks, LAM members, Beth, Sandy, and Roxie, nervously waited to give their presentations. The three were selected to represent the Collective after each member gave a short pitch to the group about their presentations followed by a vote to select the presenters. Working around their busy schedules of classes, work, and programs, they developed their pitches into 5–7-minute presentations. Joining virtually from our classroom at ORW, they addressed a crowd of approximately 100 conference attendees and discussed how Black feminist literacies have transformed their understandings and practices of education, leadership, activism, sisterhood, and community. They shared how the theory and praxis of Black feminism has opened their eyes to the shortcomings of their previous education and nurtured their activism. They also shared how they are using this new framework in their parenting, in their relationships, and other aspects of their lives. Their remarks highlighted the learning, growth, and community building that has come to signify LAM meetings.
After their presentations, there was a period of silence and LAM members were worried that the audience was not really listening or that their comments were inadequate. However, the audience simply needed time to absorb all that had been said. Then the questions started; thoughtful and engaging questions that demonstrated that not only had the audience been listening, but also that the presentations resonated deeply with them. As the Q&A ended the panelists were given a standing ovation.
Audience members were moved and inspired by the women’s experiences and insights. Beth described presenting at the conference as inspiring and humbling, stating that “It felt good to represent LAM and all that we have learned thus far. I felt heard and that my words didn’t fall on deaf ears. I left that afternoon feeling empowered and full of energy to keep fighting the good fight.” Conference attendees felt empowered and energized after the session as well. One attendee told Dr. Morris that the panel was the best conference session they had ever attended. Another shared with Dr. Harrison that,“ This was the most powerful session I've seen today.”
