ABSTRACT
This chapter argues that personal narratives, as both research tools and as "data", are critical in our work as academics and teachers. It argues the rebuilding of a new house arises from gazing at phenomena in ways different. The chapter explains several understandings garnered from African continental and diasporic poets who provide what Aidoo calls "black-eyed squint" on matters of education. It suggests that simple habits of survival are not enough: in order to be liberated and to critically gaze upon and change oppressive educational systems and mind sets, conscious choices must be made as to the pluses and minuses of such habits. The chapter explores to illuminate the ways in which educational perspectives, institutions, and the broader society can learn and be informed by our understandings. Poetry and the creative expressions of African world women embody the language to express, to move, to demand, to revolutionize, and to implement that freedom.
