The Living Room: Fostering Ubuntu and Pro‐Black Literacies in Middle School

ABSTRACT This article explores a book club established for Black middle‐grade students in a predominantly Hispanic school district, where Black students continue to face marginalization and unequal academic opportunities. Drawing inspiration from Black literary societies and the African philosophy of Ubuntu, the club cultivated a love for reading and a spirit of mutual support. Through fieldnotes, lesson exemplars, student reflections, and journal entries, we offer insights from “The Living Room,” a welcoming space where students gathered to engage with literature and share experiences, enriching their academic and personal growth. This initiative underscores the importance of pro‐Black, community‐centered environments that promote belonging, well‐being, and intellectual development. It invites educators to consider the transformative impact of such spaces in fostering success for Black youth.