Inspired by horrific racial doctrines of Nazi Germany, American teachers during the Second World War designed some of the most daring and creative antiracist lessons ever seen in American schools. This essay analyzes critical “intercultural” lesson plans from the 1940s to see what they have to offer antiracist educators today. By teaching explicit lessons on the “scientific” definition of human race that demonstrated the biological equality of all people, these lessons highlighted the socially constructed nature of racism.

An historical analysis of the relationship between schools and economic recessions highlights the need for the future president to make educational equity a defining platform of current economic reform and civil rights activism.

Speaking to a reporter from the Washington Post a few weeks ago, President Obama remarked, "There is an entire generation that will grow up taking for granted that the highest office in the land is filled by an African American." He continued, "I mean, that's a radical thing. It changes how black children look at themselves. It also changes how white children look at black children. And I wouldn't underestimate the force of that.” As an educational historian who studies racial discourse in schools, I can tell you that Obama is absolutely correct. Americans are about to radically alter the way they see, understand, and speak about race on an everyday basis thanks to the presidency of Barack Obama. Especially in places like schools.