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Cultural Curriculum Chat with Jebeh Edmunds
Welcome to the Cultural Curriculum Chat™ Podcast — where culture meets curriculum, and conversations spark real change. Hosted by author, educator, DEI consultant, and cultural storyteller Jebeh Edmunds, this show is your weekly guide to creating inclusive spaces where every voice is seen, valued, and celebrated.
Whether you're an educator, leader, DEI practitioner, or a lifelong learner committed to equity, you’ll find empowering dialogue here. We dive into multicultural education, workplace inclusion, global perspectives, and the stories behind the people shaping our communities. Expect honest conversations, practical tools you can use right away, and uplifting storytelling rooted in authenticity and lived experience.
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Cultural Curriculum Chat with Jebeh Edmunds
Episode #8 What Kind of Name is That?!!
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On this episode I explore the feeling that I felt when my teacher scoffed at calling my name on the first day of school. Check it out and listen to my insight and multicultural perspective.
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Jebeh: 0:00
On our episode today, I wanted to talk about what kind of name is that? Now, my first name is Jebeh. And I was named after my great honor the late Chief Jebeh i j of the vibe tribe in Liberia. That's where me and my family are from originally. And when we moved to the United States, I was one of the only black kids in my class. And in middle school, I hated the first day of school. And there's this teacher, she couldn't keep a straight face when she was calling roll. And when she got to my name, she couldn't help but laugh out loud. And then she looked at me and she goes, What kind of name is that.
And without trying to go against my authority, I just sat there. And I was really upset. If she would have known that my first name was named after a chief, who was my aunt, who was my namesake that did a huge impact on my community back home, she would have thought twice. Now, as teachers and educators, we have the responsibility to ask questions, but in a way that shows empathy, compassion, and respect. Now, I've been an educator for well over a decade, and I do also take roll call, and I do have those jitters on the first day of school. But one thing that I know to be true, because I was that child in that desk, I stop and pause. And I asked that student, oh, what an awesome name. You know, I want to make sure that I say it correctly. If this is you, and I say the child's in it first initial, could you please stand up in front of the class and smile? And teach us? How do you say your name correctly. And I guarantee you, that child sits up taller, they smile, they stand up, and they share their name.
Because remember, children don't name themselves, their parents do. And they have every rhyme or reason to give their child that name. And they take it with pride. So when you as the teacher, as that child, instead of What kind of name is that? Ask, show us, how do you say your name. And I guarantee you when that child will have a great lasting relationship. That's positive, right from the jump. I wish my middle school teacher took this course online. And what she would say now is Wow, I didn't know I had that kind of an impact. I was really nervous when I saw that. So I hope if she's still teaching, that she takes this bit of advice, because the children in her classroom are watching.
And the children with a different name, are also watching. Now, if you love more episodes, and even more lesson plans and curriculum, I've got a whole library full of curriculum for grades K through 12th grade, and I even have folktale Fridays, where you can come in on Friday on my YouTube channel, and I'll have a new African folk tale to share and model so you can do the same for your class or play it for your students. Thanks again. Have a great night.