02 Exploring Personal Identity

In the last quest you looked at what it means to raise a black child in America. This time we're going to turn our gaze inwards and explore personal identities.

It's important to remember that the concept of identity - that sense of who we are and what makes us unique - is all influenced by complex factors such as our past experiences, our families, our memories, and our beliefs.

Task:

In this quest, you are going to use an example of someone else's writing to explore the concept of identity. Then, using this sample as a model, you will write your own Personal Identity Poem.

Extend and Connect

Consider the story of African Americans with respect to how racism, violence, white privilege might impact identity.

Start by reading Ian Williams article, “The Cameras on Your Phones Make Black People Invisible”.

Reflect and respond - identify examples of when the identity of African Americans is framed in the white person’s perspective and note that these issues are have strengthened the movement of #blacklivesmatter.