Afrocentric Social-Emotional Learning Framework
The Afrocentric Social-Emotional Learning (ASEL) framework centers the social and emotional development of Black learners through arts education and culturally grounded experiences. Rooted in the belief that Black children deserve learning environments that affirm their identity, honor their culture, and nurture their whole selves, ASEL responds to a critical need in U.S. education: the lack of equitable, culturally relevant learning spaces for Black students.
Traditional, Eurocentric curricula have long ignored the histories, values, and lived experiences of Black learners. ASEL offers an alternative—one that is liberatory, culturally affirming, and designed specifically to support the social and emotional realities Black learners face.
Afrocentric Social Emotional Learning Framework model
The Afrocentric Social-Emotional Learning (ASEL) framework is designed to illustrate the many factors that influence the development of Black learners, as well as the external variables that shape their overall success.
Grounded in cultural understanding, the ASEL model recognizes that Black learners do not grow in isolation—they are impacted by their identities, communities, histories, learning environments, and the broader social conditions they navigate. This framework helps educators understand these interconnected influences and equips them with culturally responsive tools that support the social, emotional, and academic success of Black children.
Afrocentric SEL Framework in Practice
We share and implement our Afrocentric SEL framework through multiple channels:
We train our teaching artists in the Afrocentric SEL framework through individualized learning experiences and hands-on teaching artist workshops. These trainings help teaching artists deepen their self-awareness, explore identity through art, and develop culturally grounded approaches that support the unique needs of Black learners. (SELF)
We invite our teaching artists to facilitate workshops in schools, cultural centers, and higher education institutions. Through these culturally responsive, art-based experiences, teaching artists help learners explore identity, creativity, and cultural understanding using the Afrocentric SEL framework.(CULTURE)
We provide professional development and community outreach services for teaching artist organizations, arts and cultural institutions, and schools. Through collective learning and shared knowledge, we build stronger communities of educators who are committed to supporting Black learners with culturally responsive, Afrocentric SEL practices.(COMMUNITY)
Benefits of Afrocentric SEL
By utilizing the arts to build Afrocentric SEL competencies, educators can better connect with their Black learners and in turn, guide them to develop a greater understanding of their own Black identity.
Potential benefits of Afrocentric SEL include:
Building the learner’s self-perception and cultural identity via art practices and the study of Black history
Making more intentional decisions, leading to more positive outcomes
Decline in negative thoughts of self, behavior problems, and peer pressure
Development of the learner’s social and emotional skills
5 Afrocentric Social-Emotional Learning Framework Model
2. Afrocentric Self-Care
The ability to successfully regulate one’s emotions, thoughts, and behaviors in different situations, when exposed to the experience of being Black. Black learners become aware of the emotions associated with the Black experience and their Black identity.
3. Afrocentric Social-Awareness
The ability to take in the perspective of and empathize with others—namely those from the Pan-African Diaspora. This includes the capacity to understand social and ethical norms for behavior and to recognize family, school, and community resources and support systems.
4. Afrocentric Relationship Skills
The ability to build trust and belonging amongst culturally diverse groups of peers. This includes the capacity to have healthy and rewarding conversations about equity, diversity, inclusion, and racism and to collaboratively develop solutions to drive social change.
5. Afrocentric Responsible Decision-Making
The ability to make constructive choices about personal behavior and social interactions, based on the realistic evaluation of consequences and a consideration for the well-being of oneself and others. This includes the capacity to understand that social standards are different for Black individuals and the arising desire to become a more active member of the Black community, especially in order to promote equitable social rights.