Historical Implications

Those who immigrated to America faced struggles and achieved

successes. Among these various groups immigrating to the country
were African Americans. African Americans faced many challenges
throughout their immigration to the United States. They came to the
country as indentured servants and were captive slaves for nearly two
hundred fifty years. Even after slavery was outlawed in the United
States, many still resisted the idea of political and economic equality
for African Americans. The Ku Klux Klan ran a campaign of intimidation
and violence toward African Americans and those who supported them.
Many disapproved of African Americans owning businesses, going to
public schools, and owning property. Laws were passed to allot African
Americans the same rights as other American citizens. Even after laws
were passed, discrimination against African Americans still existed and
caused the break out of race riots. Today, discrimination of African
Americans has lessened, and the country shows its support of this
cultural group with the acceptance of its first African American
president. The struggles of African American immigrants embody why
American teachers should participate in multicultural education and
culturally responsive teaching.
Multicultural education and its primary purposes are to acquire
knowledge and skills to participate in a pluralistic society. By
acknowledging the history of immigration in America, we are able to
broaden our understanding of the struggles others have faced and see

Historical Implications

the successes they have attained. The struggles and successes of

African Americans have been plentiful. From coming to this country as
indentured servants to obtaining the office of the president, African
Americans position in this country has changed greatly. Here lies a
prime example of why we must embrace multicultural education and
become culturally responsive teachers; to look beyond the passions of
the day and avoid potential unintended consequences our present
actions might have on our countrys future.
Diversity might be taught in our school using immigration history.
All American immigrants came to the country for their own reasons.
However, there is commonality among immigrants from varying
regions for their venturing away from their homeland. Most
immigrants voyaged to America in hopes of a better life. Whether it
was famine, religious persecution, or financial need, immigrants from
around the globe came to America looking to make a better life for
themselves and their families. Although some immigrants were
brought here against their will, all immigrants (after facing their own
diverse struggles) have found a place for themselves in the United
States. The history of immigration in America when taught in schools
can be utilized to enlighten students to the diverse people we are and
the commonalities that we share. When we accept one another for our
differences and connect through our commonalities we begin to
acquire the knowledge and skills required to be multiculturalists. In

Historical Implications

classrooms, we might teach the history of American immigration in

various ways. One way we might connect students with immigrant
history is to have role-playing with the support of primary sources and
inquiry-based learning. There are many strategies that may be applied
within the classroom to implement culturally responsive teaching in the
classroom.
The strategies to implement culturally responsive teaching in the
classroom are plentiful. One strategy that could be implemented to
apply the components of culturally responsive teaching in the
classroom is to develop positive relationships with families and the
community. Making families feel welcome in schools is important,
especially when these families may not yet feel comfortable in their
new country. Inviting parents to be participants in their childs
education will allow students to feel supported and welcomed in their
classroom and safe to explore differing cultures. Inviting parents to be
participants in the classroom also offers the opportunity to gain firsthand knowledge of other cultures. Another strategy to implement
culturally responsive teaching in the classroom is to design lessons
where students must collaborate and cooperate with one another. This
provides first-hand experience for students to access and acknowledge
the point of view of their classmates. A final strategy that might be
implemented in the classroom to ensure cultural responsiveness
among students is to allow students to explore and share their own

Historical Implications
cultures in a safe environment so they might gain knowledge and
respect for others cultures.