The Willie Lynch Letter and Other Controversial Texts and Ideas That Have Influenced Black Thought

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Ebonics: The True Language of Black Folks

Ebonics first gained notoriety when the Oakland Public School District recognized it as a primary language in 1996, thereby recognizing that its Black pupils needed to learn standard English as if they were non-English speakers. The term was actually coined by psychologist Dr. Robert Williams in 1973. He later published a book titled “Ebonics: The True Language of Black Folks.” He explained that Ebonics “includes the various idioms, patois, argots, idiolects, and social dialects of black people.”

The nation was in uproar when the district made its announcement, mocking it as a plan to recognize slang. Ebonics continues to be so controversial because of its recognition of unique black learning styles. Based on the general disregard of public schools to address cultural learning differences, the Oakland Public School District’s move with Ebonics stands as a landmark event for educators, those for and against. Renowned African-American linguist John McWhorter had stated “I have no problem with taking Black English into account in schools. But when this goes as far as translation exercises or textbooks in Black English, I am opposed.”

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