Jamila Lyiscott is an American academic, teacher, and poet who is celebrated for her groundbreaking work in social justice education and linguistic diversity. As an assistant professor at the University of Massachusetts Amherst, she co-founded the Center for Racial Justice and Youth Engaged Research. Her work empowers marginalized communities through education and advocacy and ensures that their voices are heard and respected.
Early Life and Education
Born to Trinidadian parents, Lyiscott grew up in the culturally rich neighborhood of Crown Heights in Brooklyn, New York City. This diverse environment exposed her to a wide array of linguistic and cultural experiences, shaping her understanding of language and identity.
Lyiscott pursued her Master of Arts in Black Literature at Hunter College, completing her thesis, “False Positive Freedom,” in 2010. She later earned her Ph.D. from Teachers College, Columbia University, in 2015, defending her dissertation, “How Broken English Made Me Whole: Exploring Race, New Literacies, and Social Justice Within a Youth Participatory Action Research Framework.” Her academic journey reflects her deep commitment to exploring the intersections of race, language, and social justice.
Career and Advocacy
Lyiscott gained widespread recognition after delivering her powerful 2014 TED Talk, “3 Ways to Speak English,” where she unpacked the complexities of navigating multiple forms of English and the societal judgments attached to them. The talk resonated deeply, garnering over 5 million views and sparking crucial conversations about language and identity. In 2018, she delivered another impactful TEDx Talk, “Why English Class is Silencing Students of Color,” which exposed how traditional educational curricula marginalize the linguistic identities of students from diverse backgrounds.
Through her leadership at the journal Equity & Excellence in Education, Lyiscott drives scholarly discussions on addressing equity concerns in education. Her influence extends internationally; for instance, she joined Michael Rosen on BBC Radio 4’s program Word of Mouth to discuss language and identity issues this past April.
Publications and Thought Leadership
In 2019, Lyiscott authored “Black Appetite, White Food: Issues of Race, Voice, and Justice Within and Beyond the Classroom.” This seminal work explores the intersections of race and language within educational systems. She critiques assimilationist teaching methods that strip cultural diversity of its essence and harm minority students. The book challenges educators to reevaluate their practices and create spaces that genuinely honor and amplify the voices of all learners.
Conclusion
Jamila Lyiscott remains a dynamic force for social justice and linguistic empowerment. Her work inspires educators, students, and activists to engage in critical conversations about race, language, and identity. By championing inclusivity and equity, she leads efforts to build a more just and compassionate society.
FAQs
Who is Jamila Lyiscott?
Jamila Lyiscott is an American academic, poet, and teacher known for her work in social justice education and linguistic diversity.
What is Jamila Lyiscott’s academic background?
Lyiscott earned her Master of Arts in Black Literature from Hunter College in 2010 and completed her Ph.D. at Teachers College, Columbia University, in 2015.
What book has Jamila Lyiscott written?
In 2019, Lyiscott published “Black Appetite, White Food: Issues of Race, Voice, and Justice Within and Beyond the Classroom,” which critiques assimilationist teaching practices and calls for honoring the voices of diverse learners.
How does Jamila Lyiscott advocate for social justice?
Through her research, writings, and public speaking, Lyiscott addresses systemic inequities in education, focusing on linguistic and cultural diversity.
What role does Jamila Lyiscott play in the journal Equity & Excellence in Education?
Lyiscott contributes as a leader in scholarly discussions about equity in education, helping to shape research and practices that promote fairness and inclusion.
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