A Conversation with MA Student, Joanne LaFortune
Current AFAM graduate student, Joanne LaFortune, has been featured in the The Critical Conversations section. Critical Conversations spotlights dialogue among members of BU’s humanities community about their recent research.
Joanne discussed all things from her work life, passions, and how the past year has affected her. LaFortune teaches upper and middle school English literature at the Wheeler school in Providence, Rhode Island but has always tried to diversify her curriculum and integrate African American History.
When asked about why she decided to pursue graduate work, LaFortune reminisced on how she found one of her students at a black lives matter protest and the student replied that he was inspired by her class. LaFortune stated:
“I was so excited that I resolved to do what I had long been contemplating: pursue graduate work in African American history so that I could be better equipped to reach youngsters such as this student. My own teaching in the classroom has benefited immensely from the work of Professor Ibram Kendi…”
To read the full interview with Joanne LaFortune, click here.