Corteney Stewart’s Post

On #Juneteenth (June 19), a federal holiday in the United States commemorating the emancipation of enslaved African Americans, we are reminded that the work of equality, justice, freedom, inclusion, and belonging never stops. Today, as we honor the journey toward freedom, we also acknowledge the ongoing quest for #educationalequity and #racialjustice. Black people, who have been historically overlooked and marginalized for far too long, have always played a crucial role in shaping education and the communities we serve. They have faced adversities that others have not, do not, and will not encounter. Despite these challenges, they persist in navigating unique obstacles in and out of the workplace (for teachers) and the classroom (for students). We at Red Hook are committed to partnering with schools to develop facilities as they embark on their quest to ensure that all children have access to a high-quality public education. #juneteenth #charterschooldevelopment #facilitiespartner #racialjustice #equaleducation

🌈 Join confidential focus group sessions facilitated in partnership with a leading Canadian educational institution! We're seeking feedback from folks who identify as 2SLGBTQIA+, Black, Disabled, Indigenous, Persons of Colour, Women — or the many intersections there of — to better understand: 🗣️ How participants engage with inclusive marketing,  📢 What participants perceive the organization’s role and responsibility to be related to inclusive marketing and communications,  🌍 What authentic representation means to participants,  🔍How participants perceive the organization and comparable organizations, 🤝And opportunities for the organization to catalyze allyship, advocacy, and activism through marketing and communications. – Details: ⏰ Deadline: Jul 31, 11:59pm PST. 📅 Sessions: Sep 9-19 via Zoom ✅ Requirements: Identify as 2SLGBTQIA+, Black, Disabled, Indigenous, Person of Colour, a Woman, or any intersection there of; reside in Canada; aware of the university landscape in British Columbia; not affiliated with any educational institutions in British Columbia. 💵 Compensation: $100 for participation Email melissa@andhumanity.co for more information.

Today's BHM segment: the first schools for Black kids in Boston 🏫 Before any public school was established for African American kids in Boston, their parents were the backbone of their education. Black parents who were formerly enslaved established the African School in 1789, which met at an abolitionist's home at first and eventually moved to the African Meeting House in Beacon Hill in 1808. While they finally had a place to call their own, the African School operated in poor conditions and couldn't offer the same services or opportunities that white segregated schools did. The school was not recognized by the Boston school committee until 1812, at which point they received $200/year in partial funding. The Abiel Smith School, the oldest public school for African American kids in the nation, opened in 1835 after white businessman, Abiel Smith, left $5,000 in his estate for the education of Black kids in Boston. Activists like William Cooper Nell, an alum from the African School, challenged the school committee and state legislature for funding and to provide equal school rights for Black kids, citing the conditions at the African School and afterwards at the Smith School. As a result of that work, the state outlawed public school segregation in Massachusetts in 1855. This wasn't the end of segregation in Boston schools. Racial inequities have kept schools segregated, even today, widening the achievement gap for Black and Latine kids. 📷 : A page from the 1843 Boston Almanac #blackhistorymonth2024 #bostonblackhistory #equitableaccess #thisisup

Juneteenth is not a buzzword. I wanted to take a moment to reflect on the significance of this momentous day and why it remains a cornerstone in the ongoing movement toward financial and societal freedom for Black people. Juneteenth, celebrated on June 19th, marks the day in 1865 when enslaved African Americans in Galveston, Texas, were finally informed of their freedom, two and a half years after the Emancipation Proclamation was signed (crazy but not uncommon). This day is a powerful symbol of liberation and a pivotal moment in American history far beyond the 4th of July. But Juneteenth is more than just a historical milestone. It is a celebration of Black culture, resilience, and progress. It is also a stark reminder of the systemic injustices that have persisted long after slavery ended, influencing the financial and societal landscapes in which we live today. The journey toward true freedom includes economic empowerment and equal opportunity. Financial independence and access to resources are critical for building generational wealth and achieving long-term stability. On this path, we must address disparities in education, employment, and entrepreneurship. Juneteenth calls on all of us to recognize the profound impact of these disparities and to commit to creating a more equitable future. This involves supporting Black-owned businesses, advocating for policies that promote economic justice, and fostering inclusive environments where everyone can succeed. #Juneteenth #FreedomDay #Equality #Inclusion #Diversity #Empowerment

I'm always impressed by the Yellowhead Institute, and this is next level. For Black, Indigenous and racialized folk active in community and place-based work, the Radical Relationalities Policy School might be for you. "This innovative program provides a radically different perspective on the study of policy through a decolonial lens, backed by research, and led by leading practitioners and scholars. The focus for the 2024 session is on building radical relationalities between Indigenous, Black, and racialized communities toward decolonial futures. Radical relationalities is a useful framework for cultivating and nurturing individual and collective relations with the view of shared decolonization and liberation. " https://lnkd.in/grB_BBSw

Strong Black Women in Education: Building Community Through Connection In this powerful story, I share an experience that transformed how we address student conflicts by bringing families together for meaningful conversations. Watch how two families, initially divided by a series of fights, found unity and strength through a family group conference that went beyond discipline and into community building. This isn’t just about resolving conflict—it's about creating a space where students and their families can connect on a deeper level. Strong relationships in education can lead to transformational change, not just for the students, but for the entire community. Let’s rethink how we approach discipline and connection in schools. Watch the full video to learn how you can create these moments of empowerment on your campus.

Building Bridges, Not Just Checking Boxes: Rethinking Youth Engagement in Under-resourced Communities After 50 years of engaging with youth of color in under-resourced communities, I've seen what real mentorship can achieve. From my beginnings in a predominantly Black community to roles in the City of Carson, California Youth Authority, and beyond, the real victories are not in the accolades I've received but in the lives, we've changed. Yet, too often, our approaches fail these young minds. Instead of genuine connection, we see transactional interactions—quick checks on a list rather than building relationships that foster trust and growth. This isn't just flawed; it's a systemic issue rooted in biases that see these young individuals more as problems than as potentials. Our current systems prioritize numbers over impact, with short-sighted metrics that overlook the true needs of these communities. We see preventive and even punitive program designs that stem from misguided perceptions of Black youth, perpetuated by stereotypes that only serve to lower expectations and squeeze funding. The nonprofit sector, despite its best intentions, can aggravate these issues by spreading resources too thinly, opting for short-term "pop-up" engagements that destabilize rather than build trust. In the Black community, trust is not just about performance; it's about consistency and predictability. At Bridge Builders, we're doing things differently. Our summer camps serve as a beacon of trust for parents checking if we are the right fit for their children. By committing to be "of the community and for the community," we've become a trusted pillar, supported by over 70 dedicated volunteers who help us nurture over 700 youths annually. The path forward is clear: we need long-term investments in the ecosystems surrounding our youth. This means not just engaging with the youth themselves but supporting their families, schools, and communities to foster sustainable growth and change. Our youth are not problems to be managed but potentials to be nurtured. Let's commit to meaningful, long-lasting relationships that empower rather than stifle. Let’s build more bridges with long-term commitments and check fewer boxes with short-lived solutions. It's time for change. The future of our communities depends on it. Join us in this mission. #YouthEmpowerment #CommunityBuilding #bridgebuildersla

During this Black History Month, let's not solely commemorate the past but also pledge to dismantle the systems that persist in impeding progress. Learning more about systemic racism and confronting the past is a step towards a brighter future. Check out this article from UMADAOP on confronting systemic racism in Franklin County: https://ow.ly/je8k50QFzPe

Celebrating Waveney Bushell: A Pioneer in Educational Psychology and a Fighter Against Inequality As part of Black History Month, I would like to recognise Waveney Bushell the first Black educational psychologist in the UK. Waveney Bushell, was born in 1928 in Guyana, she  fought for racial inequality in the British educational system. Early in her career as an educational psychologist, she was disturbed by the overrepresentation of Black children being classified as "educationally subnormal" and placed in ESN (Educationally Subnormal) schools. Her voice was crucial in exposing how intelligence tests, such as the Stanford-Binet and Wechsler scales, were culturally biased, unfairly penalising Black Caribbean children and pushing them toward unjust educational paths. Her work highlights the need for diversity and representation within the educational psychology profession itself. When professionals come from varied cultural backgrounds, they are more likely to understand the unique challenges and strengths that children from underrepresented communities bring. Waveney Bushell’s presence in a predominantly white profession showed the power of representation in providing more culturally sensitive support for children. Bushell’s work is still deeply relevant today. The overrepresentation of Black children in SEND (Special Educational Needs and Disabilities) contexts continues to be issue. Recognising and addressing this overrepresentation is critical for creating a more equitable education system. Bushell helped to create a platform for challenging educational inequality and building a network of independent Black supplementary schools. This work laid the foundation for generations of Black educators and psychologists who continue to advocate for fairness and representation in education. For me, Bushell’s legacy underscores the importance of recognising the unique challenges faced by Black children in education and the need for ongoing advocacy to ensure that they are not unjustly labeled or overlooked. Her pioneering work continues to inspire those of us who are passionate about changing perceptions and creating a more just system for all children. Let’s continue to honour Waveney Bushell by addressing the overrepresentation of Black children in SEND today, advocating for fair, culturally sensitive assessment practices, and championing diversity within the educational psychology profession to give every child the chance to succeed. #diversity #school #educational psychology

Let's focus on connection! Christine Phan, a research analyst with the Asian American Disinformation Table, highlights the importance of dismantling misinformation and fostering solidarity between Black and Asian communities. In the fight against racialized disinformation, education plays a crucial role. Phan emphasizes the need for tailored resources to help communities understand and overcome oppressive structures. Let's stand together, learn from our shared history, and confront the playbook that seeks to divide us. That is #HowWeHeal. Discover more about the crucial work of the Asian American Disinformation Table: https://wkkf.co/vatd Word In Black