The Challenges of Connecting Spirituality and Public Education

Here's another thought-provoking post by my colleague Joe Hudson.

Enjoy!
u.
_________________________________________________ 

 By Joe Hudson | October 12, 2012 11:57 AM

Dr. Wade Nobles, one of my undergraduate Professor reminded me this morning of values that were central to my "being"; central to my purpose of living and my vocational undertakings as a professional educator. However, I'm torn as I struggle with my professional training and indoctrination that seems to in practice move beyond "separation of church & state" to in our interaction with our youth in public schools to denying & invalidate our innate spirituality and hence our humanity.

Dr. Nobles argues "education is the process" and "divine" humans are the outcome. I'm reminded how much my "faith", my spirituality has been in concert with my family's encouragement and support the difference maker in my education attainment, my career advancement, my marriage and family and my life. My maternal Grandmother (Granna); a stately demi-god taught me that many of the blessings we enjoy are manifestation in the physical world of the supplication and prayers of our ancestors and elders. Can we as educators given the realities and challenges of educating African American youth afford if not because of our own spirituality and humanity continue supporting a system education that insists on an unrealistic and harmful education that separates man/women from their source. Education that separate students from their core being, their past & present; their community. As the young folk say, "just keeping it real". We can't be real without acknowledging and purposely promoting spirituality and humanity as fundamental to having any degree of real success in educating African American youth.

One love - Joe Hudson.