“Take another route ‘cause we ain’t scared in the South”

Lessons from hip-hop to social studies educators

Abstract

This paper explores Southern hip-hop as a source of resistance and sustainment amid legislative bans on purported “divisive concepts,” which has led to the systematic censoring of critical and equity-oriented discussions in K-12 education. Social studies teachers, in particular, face punitive backlashes as they are tasked with navigating conversations around culture, power, individuals, and institutions. Through this backdrop, the paper asks: how do we, as social studies teacher educators, make sense of our role in this politically contentious atmosphere? This conceptual analysis focuses on artists like Wacotron, BigXthaPlug, and Flippa T, drawing insights from their lyrics to illuminate strategies for subverting, resisting, and innovating in the face of educational challenges. Embracing themes of fugitivity, community, and refusal, the paper advocates for a mentality of resistance in critical work, reminding educators of their roots in a legacy of Black Southern resistance amid legislative attempts to stifle justice-oriented discussions.