A leftist group in California is advocating for the addition of "Black English" to the state's Multilingual Education Program. The organization, Black Californians United for Early Care and Education, aims to promote language justice for Black children in early childhood education. They seek to recognize Black English as a rule-governed language in California, while also elevating language justice across the education system.
The group's mission is to support all Black Californians, particularly those within the Black Diaspora. They provide a "Black English Language Workshop" as part of their efforts to advance language justice. The organization's co-founder emphasized the importance of valuing and recognizing the language spoken by Black children, stating that she wants her son to feel valued and heard regardless of how he expresses himself.
The most commonly defined form of "Black English" is African American Vernacular English (AAVE), a vernacular form of American English primarily used in informal settings. AAVE is not typically accepted in formal or official occasions, such as workplaces or schools. It is distinct from language varieties spoken by specialized subgroups, such as urban youth, and should not be confused with slang or broken English.
Examples of AAVE include phrases such as "She be working," "They happy," and "bes' friend." Language experts argue that AAVE is a legitimate dialect that should be recognized and valued. An early childhood language expert noted that Black children who speak AAVE are often overlooked in discussions about multilingualism, and that their language backgrounds could be leveraged to support their learning.
The organization has posted a 10-point policy plan, which includes a call for reparations. The plan aims to address the needs of Black children in early childhood education and promote language justice across the education system. By recognizing and valuing AAVE, the organization hopes to create a more inclusive and supportive environment for Black children to learn and thrive.
