On Monday, February 2, 2026, historian Jarvis Givens joins Rethinking Schools executive director Cierra Kaler-Jones and editor Jesse Hagopian to discuss his latest book, I’ll Make Me a World: The 100-Year Journey of Black History Month. Drawing on archival research, personal stories involving family and students, and especially the wisdom of Black educators, Givens recovers the legacy of Carter G. Woodson and many others who envisioned Black history as a liberatory force — knowledge that shapes who we are, how we resist, and what we dream. Givens will also talk about the Black Teacher Archive and another new book, American Grammar: Race, Education, and the Building of a Nation.
Jarvis Givens is a professor of education and faculty affiliate in the department of African & African American studies at Harvard University. As an interdisciplinary scholar, he specializes in 19th and 20th century African American history, history of education, and theories of race and power in education. Givens is the author of Fugitive Pedagogy: Carter G. Woodson and the Art of Black Teaching, American Grammar: Race, Education, and the Building of a Nation, and I’ll Make Me a World: The 100-Year Journey of Black History Month.
ASL interpretation provided.
Professional development credit certificate provided upon request for attendees.
These online classes with people’s historians are held at least once a month (generally on Mondays) at for 75 minutes. In each session, the historian is interviewed by a teacher and breakout rooms allow participants to meet each other in small groups, discuss the content, and share teaching ideas. We designed the sessions for teachers and other school staff. Parents, students, and others are also welcome to participate.
HRE USA is a project of the Center for Transformative Action.
HRE USA 