To Partner with us, Trust our Ideas: Washington Heights Expeditionary Learning School Educators’ Support of Youth Researchers/Activists

In Washington Heights Expeditionary Learning School (WHEELS), it’s common for students to develop relationships with their teachers through work outside the classroom. This is visible in all of WHEELS’ activities and clubs, especially the Critical Theory and Social Justice (CTSJ) club and our chapter of Million Hoodies Movement for Justice. Through my 6 years at WHEELS, it has been in these two clubs where I have felt the most empowered. These clubs have had a special influence in shaping who I am today.

Critical Theory and Social Justice was started by Daniel Morales-Armstrong and WHEELS students to learn about Afro-Latinidad in our community of Washington Heights, NY and internationally. During our weekly meetings at CTSJ, we build background knowledge about Peru, specifically the Afro-Peruvian community in Peru. We read articles, interviewed Afro-Peruvian people, tried Peruvian food, and built fundraising campaigns in order for us to go to Peru. The CTSJ’s international research expeditions have been to Cuba, Peru, and Puerto Rico. In CTSJ, I have also been able to dive into my Afro-Dominican identity and learn about the legacy of the African diaspora in Latin America. Daniel’s story of self-identity inspired me to analyze my own identity and proudly identify as an Afro-Dominican. Traveling through Peru, we had the ability to lead conversations and teach our peers back home strategies to talk to our families about colorism. After our trip, we organized a presentation at our school based on our experiences. Daniel guided us every step of the way, and also found other opportunities for us outside of school to develop our learning and our success. Daniel dedicated his time at WHEELS to guarantee our success and expand our knowledge, and he continues to do so today while acquiring his PhD in Pennsylvania. Thanks to Daniel and the relationship we were able to build, I am writing about my experiences for this book.