Oral Histories of Black Female Educators in Mississippi in the Civil Rights Era
Despite significant challenges and powerful opposition, Black female teachers stood at the forefront of advocating for and providing education to Black students. Their dedication not only improved opportunities for Black communities but also influenced changes in U.S. laws and societal expectations.
Dr. Marlee Bunch draws on a rich fund of oral histories to reveal the interior lives of Black female educators who taught before and after desegregation in Hattiesburg, Mississippi. In their own voices, these women detail the hurdles they faced guiding students through Jim Crow laws and Civil Rights-era desegregation. Bunch unearths the personal stories of teaching and activism during a historic time that included the Brown v. Board of Education decision and whites’ massive resistance to desegregation. The educators explain the importance of the Black community and Black homes while discussing their part in priming students for success and creating community cohesion. In addition, Bunch looks at the legacies of Black educators and the work still to be done. A section of images and poetry compliments the text. Inspiring and immersive, Unlearning the Hush combines memory with Civil Rights history to document Black women’s role in education during a tumultuous time.
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Praise for Unlearning the Hush
“In Unlearning the Hush, Dr. Marlee Bunch inspires a new generation of scholars to continue to forge a new curriculum and analysis because that is what our world demands of us. Unlearning the Hush brings us back to a truth that Mississippi and its deep history and enduring legacies are part of our entire education system. If we can see how and why we connect to this history, we are on the right path to perfecting this democracy for everyone.”
—Dr. Jon Hale, associate professor of education policy, organization, and leadership, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
“Unlearning the Hush offers fresh perspectives on Black women teachers and the use of oral history as a tool for uncovering hidden histories. Weaving in her own personal experiences as a teacher throughout the book, Bunch’s narratives of Black teachers in Mississippi are resonant and compelling for our times. Drawing from the Black intellectual tradition, Bunch’s approach utilizes art, poetry, and stories to illuminate histories. This book is masterful, creative, and inspiring.”
—Dr. Derrick Alridge, Director of the Teachers in the Movement Project and professor, University of Virginia.
“Dr. Marlee Bunch’s Unlearning the Hush is a riveting exploration of resilience and activism. Through meticulous research and poignant storytelling, Bunch magnifies the voices of Black women educators, long overshadowed by history’s silence. Unlearning the Hush is a testament to the strength and determination of those who dared to challenge the status quo. A profound and necessary addition to the annals of educational history, Bunch’s work will inspire and enlighten readers for generations to come.”