Start With Radical Love
Antiracist Pedagogy for Social Justice Educators
Achievement of Minority Students | Social Justice | Teaching Strategies for Diverse Students
Foster an environment of love and healing within schools
In this groundbreaking book, educator, poet, and activist Dr. Crystal Belle challenges traditional educational practices and offers a new approach to teaching rooted in radical love and social justice. Combining research with personal experiences and interviews, Dr. Belle explores the roots and practical application of a social justice education framework grounded in Critical Race Theory (CRT), heart healing, educator beliefs, and a deep understanding of the structural inequities in education. Features of the book include:
- Personal narratives and portraiture that highlight the complex human aspects of education
- Sample social justice lesson planning templates and a social justice oriented curricular map
- Pedagogical activities that encourage critical thinking and more inclusive classrooms
- Radical love notes, objectives, reflection prompts, and discussion questions
- Critical discussion of special education, the school-to-prison pipeline, and the impact educators can have on their students through self-examination
Teaching with radical love means looking beyond traditional metrics of a student's success and utilizing their brilliance, cultural wealth, and intellectual potential to create transformative learning experiences, especially for minoritized children. This innovative approach to social justice education supports educators to teach with care, understanding, and intentional support for the diverse backgrounds, experiences, and identities of students.
"I can’t believe this is Dr. Belle’s first book. The writing is a clear, thoughtful road map to radical love. I found myself becoming more curious and reflective with each turn of the page. I am grateful Dr. Belle wrote this book to move us from the dialogue of social justice and radical love to action."
"With pen and note pad by my side, I devoured this masterful work. Crystal Belle is offering us food for thought, challenge to fight, and a pathway forward. Truly a beautiful work."
"Start with Radical Love is a thought-provoking and insightful exploration of the intersection between love, social justice, and education. With a focus on personal growth, practical insights, and the experiences of educators in the field, the book encourages readers to reflect on the role of radical love in education and its connection to creating more just, healing-centered, and equitable learning environments. Belle underscores the importance of love in teaching and the profound impact teachers can have on students' lives when they approach teaching with compassion."