Critical to Democracy

Standing Strong in Undemocratic Times: Supporting Diversity and Enhancing Democracy in Education by James A. Banks, editor
Teachers College Press, April 24, 2026

James Banks, in this edited collection of essays, reminds us that we have repeatedly seen deliberate and coordinated government opposition to moments in history when African Americans have made progress in participating fully in our democracy. The Civil War, Reconstruction, the Civil Rights and Voting Acts all resulted in new ways of formally excluding. Banks brings together preeminent scholars to reflect on the current moment, predict our future, and recommend strategies to move forward. These essays bring us authors who range from the "progenitors," to researchers who emerged from them, and to the “new generation.” While our teachers, administrators, and students resist the political climate, these perspectives and ideas are a call to action. Ladson-Billings, in “Surviving a Second Nadir,” reminds us that we have lived and continue to live in a “political pendulum.” She provides a bulleted list of steps we must take to survive the hard swing backward. Wayne Au, one of the editors of Teaching for Black Lives, shares the tremendous positive impact that ethnic studies has been demonstrated to have on all students. In “Redefining Membership: Executive Actions and the Boundaries of Citizenship,” Angela Banks advises us to teach students about historical citizenship criteria, fluid definitions, and active membership in a democracy. This collection is a balm, reminding educators that we are critical to democracy and play an essential role in our collective future.