Donja Thomas, PhD
Dr. Donja Thomas is a passionate educator, activist, writer, speaker, scholar and Black studies curriculum developer from Columbus, Ohio. For over a decade, she has been engaged in creating classroom curriculums that center the use of culturally relevant and sustaining pedagogies, critical conscious literacies and the importance of employing curricular practices rooted in the Black experience, in order to advance Black Studies in K-12 schooling. As an avid advocate for consciousness development, she engages in creating, developing, and producing texts & platforms focused on promoting self-love, resilience, spiritual awareness, positive thinking, cultural pride and leadership development.
“My work encourages and supports cultural relevant and sustaining pedagogy, critical literacy and the use of curricular practices rooted in the Black experience (literary, historical & cultural) inside and outside the classroom. I provide opportunities for learners that enhance their knowledge of the various contributions made to the U.S. and beyond by peoples of African descent. I also co-construct with learners a brave space in which they can be open and vulnerable, honor their beings, and honestly critique constructs of race, class, and identity through examination of Black cultural and literary practices.” – Donja Thomas
