Unveiling the Power of Education: A Glimpse into "Know Thyself" by Na’im Akbar

Written By Samantha Chung

Hey beautiful people,

I read this incredibly powerful sentence this morning, and I couldn’t wait to share it with you. It is in the first chapter of the book Know Thyslef by Na’im Akbar, an esteemed clinical psychologist best known for his Afrocentric approach to psychology. The wisdom of this statement struck a cord with me:

The dog that learns how to bark to scare away its enemies (predators), to defend itself by biting its attackers and to hunt and to feed itself is an educated dog. The dog that learns how to stand on its hind legs and wear a dress and dance to the music of its trainer is actually a trained dog. Despite how impressive the dancing dog may appear to the human observer, this dog has been trained away from its nature.

Honestly, within the first few pages of the book, I have been blown away by all of the implications it has on teaching and learning. It has the kind of thinking that has the potential to radically shift your perspective and approach to the classroom.

As someone who has always questioned the language surrounding teacher education—where terms like "teacher education," "teacher training," and "teacher preparation" are often used interchangeably—I am compelled to explore the significance of these distinctions. The crux lies in the conceptualization of education versus training, with far-reaching consequences for how we value the teaching profession and approach our classrooms as conduits to true education.

Here is how Dr. Akbar sees it:

Functions of Education

  1. Provide Identity

  2. Legacy of Competence

  3. Acquired Immunities (Protection and Resistance)

  4. Develop a Shared Vision

Provide Identity: Knowledge is the understanding of the self and the ability to communicate that to others.

Legacy of Competence: Every community has a unique history of creation, development, and innovation. Teaching becomes the torchbearer, passing down this legacy of competence.

Acquired Immunities (Protection and Resistance): Oppressed groups throughout history have demonstrated resilience and overcome adversity. Teaching these stories becomes an acquired immunity against current and future injustices.

Develop a Shared Vision: True education enables communities to collectively uplift each other and set common goals.

Dr. Akbar's vision of education is potent and inspiring, offering actionable takeaways that can transform our classrooms into spaces of enlightenment and empowerment. While I have yet to finish the book, I am compelled to share this early revelation with you, urging you to add "Know Thyself" to your reading list. How might this perspective reshape your approach to the classroom?

Have a great week!

Dr. Sam

P.S. Exciting News! New course will be launched soon - Embrace, Engage, Empower: A Post-COVID19 Journey in Racial Equity and Culturally Responsive Education. Click here to follow along and be first to join.

What I’m into these days

  1. Book — I am still making my way through Know Thyself by Na’im Akbar. I am also currently reading My Sister, the Serial Killer by Oyinkan Braithwaite, which I’m reading as my choice of fiction these days.

  2. Podcast - I really enjoyed this episode of the Deep Dive podcast. Ali Abdaal, who is one of my favorite creators, interviews Jodie Cook who shares some nuggets about how she approaches life, passion, and business.

  3. Article - I had a conversation with my graduate students (for the newbies around here, I am currently a doctoral lecturer and program coordinator of an Ed Leadership Program at Lehman College) about the Don’t Say Gay Bill in Florida. One of my students expressed some concern about a non-binary elementary-age student, saying that the student was too young to be considering sexuality. We had a deep conversation about the difference between sexuality and gender. I sent this article to my students following that class. And if you want to read a fiction novel that supports this learning with beautiful prose and a powerful plot, I highly recommend Mad Honey by Jennifer Finney Boylan and Jodi Picoult. 

“If we are not dismantling, we are perpetuating.”
— Unknown

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Exciting News! New course will be launched soon - Embrace, Engage, Empower: A Post-COVID19 Journey in Racial Equity and Culturally Responsive Education. Click here to follow along and be first to join.

Samantha Chung
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Supporting Migrant and Refugee Students in Classrooms in 2023