Historical Truths + Critical Consciousness=
a more Just society

 

Teach Truth California is dedicated to embracing and sharing historical truths through community education and public art projects.

We live in a historic moment marked by book bans, curriculum censorship, the normalization of hate speech against marginalized communities, and the amplification of fear.  Teach Truth is a vehicle for pushing back against these forces and for fostering positive change.  How? By learning about the expressive cultures, histories, and experiences of the diverse peoples who make up our country, our state, our community. This engagement and connection, we believe, promotes an informed citizenry ready to address the challenges of the moment.

Current Teach Truth projects include the Teach Truth Book Club and the 100 Plaques Project.

Teach Truth Principles*

  • AFFIRM THE DIGNITY OF ALL PEOPLE - People, wherever they come from, are at the center of what we do. Our programming and discussions champion the diverse and complex human experience.

  • EMBRACE HISTORICAL TRUTHS - We reject incomplete narratives that hide more than they reveal. We confront hard histories with open eyes and hearts. We counter dominant narratives by including multiple perspectives. We balance stories of oppression with those of agency, resistance, and perseverance.

  • DEVELOP CRITICAL CONSCIOUSNESS + CONFRONT RACISM We encourage dialogue, develop empathic listening skills and authentic storytelling. Learn and teach how to recognize dominant narratives and the way they perpetuate marginalization. Recognize where systems are racist and lay the groundwork to change these systems to be more just.

  • Teach Truth programming

    invites participants to examine how policies and practices operate to impede or advance human potential. Dismantle inequitable systems and create new ones.

* Adapted from CARE - Center for Anti-Racist Education