Julia Garrison
News Editor
Bri Becerra ’25 gave the only student-led Justice Dialogue during Wooster’s extended celebration of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, which took place on Tuesday, Jan. 22 in The Alley. Becerra’s presentation focused on key aspects of their Independent Study (I.S.), which integrates their teaching philosophies and the teachings of three prominent scholars of Black feminist theory.
Becerra, who is a history and education double major with a minor in religious studies, became engaged with last year’s Justice Dialogues through a presentation last spring by history major Miriam Harley ’24 who covered historic and problematic monuments.
“I’m engaged with a lot of Black feminist theory work, and I thought that would be honestly great for a justice dialogue,” Becerra said. “I thought that was really powerful, especially in the realm of education, because my I.S. topic is about educational reform, especially in the lens of social studies.”
Becerra’s presentation featured information about three major Black feminist theorists: Anna Julia Cooper, bell hooks and Bettina Love, but Becerra’s inspiration for this project was fueled by their reading of bell hooks.
“I just connected so deeply with what she was saying about education,” Becerra explained, expressing that hooks’ book –– “Teaching to Transgress” –– provided them with the framework for what would become their I.S.
Alongside the information Becerra provided during their presentation, they facilitated discussions integrated throughout the hour-long presentation. These discussions allowed attendees to reflect on the highs and lows of their educational experiences, opening up the floor to at least 20 minutes of combined dialogue between Becerra and faculty and student attendees. Becerra noted that –– although these conversations are insightful –– they are not happening frequently enough on campus.
“I think that it’s absolutely necessary to have more discussions like this, because I don’t think we have enough opportunities [to speak on these topics],” Becerra said. “We really try to squeeze it into MLK Week, and I think that’s incredibly unfair,” they added, referring to the College as a whole.
Becerra believes their Justice Dialogue and their I.S. will have an impact on their teaching philosophy for years to come following their graduation. Becerra’s connection to teaching extended beyond Wooster, as they noted in an interview with the Voice. They explained that their involvement in Generation Teach, a summer teaching program funded by AmeriCorps, helped them hone their teaching philosophy.
Becerra also acknowledged their mentor and I.S. advisor: assistant professor of history, Beatrice Adams.
“[Dr. Adams] just is constantly reminding me that Black feminism is for everyone,” Becerra said. “You can be inspired by these ideas even if you’re not a Black person.”
Becerra plans to present another form of their I.S. during I.S. Symposium in May. After Wooster, Becerra hopes to continue teaching and eventually pursue graduate school to further their educational career.
