Experience Management Institute (EXMI)’s Post

On this #InternationalLiteracyDay not only do we need to celebrate #RubyBridges on what is also her birthday, we need to teach her story and read her work...and listen to her! “We’re still picking and choosing, and not judging each other by the content of our character," she said. "If we don’t stop that, we are going to lose this fight.” ~Ruby Bridges That "fight" is also very much about equity for every child. Literacy is a fundamental Civil Right. Without equitable access to high-quality evidence-based literacy programs, we are simply denying little ones the right to their best future. If we don't get this right, for every child, then nothing else is going to work-period. #CivilRights #EducationalEquity #LiteracyforAll #TheRighttoRead #LiteracyisaCivilRight

"Cuando una puerta se cierra, busca otra forma de entrar; todo tiene solución, solo la muerte no." is a phrase my mother often used to encourage me. As many of you may recall, there was a time a few months ago when I shared about the challenges facing the Green Bay Public Schools, including their plans to close three predominantly Latino schools, further segregating the student body. Well, we fought hard to postpone those decisions until they convened a boundaries task force and conducted an equity audit. Despite demonstrating our deep connection to the Green Bay community, with over 200 signed petitions from Latino Green Bay parents supporting NEWLET's efforts, the district included a clause that effectively excluded most NEWLET members from participating in the proposed boundaries task force. I'll delve into that experience more in detail in a different post once I've had time to fully process it. However, this experience served as a stark reminder that those in power will do anything to keep certain voices out of the conversation. It also made us realize that these issues weren't unique to Green Bay but affected Latino communities across the state of WI. Thus shifting NEWLET's mission to advocating for systemic change at the state level. We've been diligently collecting data on the state of education for Latinos in Wisconsin and are eager to convene a meeting to invite Latinos, stakeholders, and allies to join us in these crucial conversations. We've created a short video highlighting some of these issues and providing more details about the event. Feel free to reach out to me if you have any questions. Our goal is to create a space for listening, sharing experiences, and catalyzing change. While this short video highlights some key issues Latino students are facing in the K-12 system, our April 26th meeting will offer a more in-depth analysis and hold space to welcome your input on challenges within your districts. When we're excluded from conversations, we must create our own spaces to ensure our voices are heard and our needs addressed. Juntos podemos empower Latino youth to claim their rightful place in these spaces. #sisepuede #equity #accesstohighereducation #latinoleaders #nuestrofuturoeslatino https://lnkd.in/dgaXznyW

To my fellow progressives, let me make this clear: Understanding the nuances of equity, diversity, inclusion, and belonging isn't just about creating trauma-informed, healing-centered spaces for Black youth and families. It's about recognizing and embracing our cultural identity, and not sidestepping the harsh realities that we, as Black and African-American people, have faced and continue to face. When you overlook these realities, you perpetuate the illusion of unanimous agreement, which may be more comfortable for you but does a disservice to the cause. This avoidance is a sign of either discomfort or incompetence in dealing with our history and culture. What's really happening is a systematic push for assimilation into a so-called "approved" dominant culture—a culture that historically treated Africans as mere property. By aligning with this culture, you inadvertently support a definition of "humanity" that continues to marginalize us. Those who strive to heal the present by addressing past injustices are quickly labeled divisive by this same dominant culture. Your blind spots are not just oversights; they are an active encroachment on the path of liberatory education. We're sounding the alarm as you carelessly obstruct real progress. Ignorance is not an excuse. You're failing our children—all of our children—by not confronting these truths head-on. #education #ProgressiveAction #EquityInEducation #HealingCentered #CulturalAffirmation #DiverseInclusion #LiberatoryEducation #BlackYouthMatter #NoToAssimilation #TruthInHistory #RealProgress #DEI #belonging

Juneteenth, observed on June 19th, is a significant day in American history that marks the emancipation of the last enslaved African Americans in 1865. It serves as a powerful reminder of the struggles and resilience of those who fought for freedom and equality. In today's society, Juneteenth is more than a commemoration of the past; it is a call to action for continued progress toward social justice and unity. Celebrating Juneteenth helps us acknowledge the enduring impacts of slavery and systemic racism, fostering a collective commitment to building a more equitable and inclusive future for all. Through education, reflection, and community engagement, Juneteenth encourages us to honor the legacy of those who came before us and to strive for a society where freedom and equality are truly realized for everyone. #JuneteenthCelebration #UnityInDiversity #FreedomAndJustice #EqualityForAll #SocialJusticeMatters

Today is Truth and Reconciliation Day—a time to pause, reflect, and honor the resilience of Indigenous communities. 🧡 The legacy of colonization and residential schools still impacts so many, and real reconciliation means more than just recognizing the harm—it’s about actively supporting Indigenous voices and making space for their leadership in every aspect of our society. As someone committed to DEI work, I believe we need to: • Listen to Indigenous communities and follow their lead. • Acknowledge the intersectionality that shapes their experiences and identities. • Create spaces for healing and belonging that go beyond performative actions. Reconciliation isn’t something that happens in a day—it’s a long-term commitment to equity, respect, and truth. Let’s continue learning, unlearning, and showing up. #TruthAndReconciliation #DEI #IndigenousRights #CommitToAction

Learning the history of Juneteenth will help you more deeply understand American values 🇺🇸 Let’s gain more knowledge about the diverse cultural landscape of the US by shedding light on an important US holiday: Juneteenth 🎉 Juneteenth commemorates the day in 1865 when enslaved African Americans in Galveston, Texas learned of their emancipation. It’s a symbol of the end of slavery in the US and a reminder of the journey toward equality. A day of joy and celebration as well as remembrance and reflection, Juneteenth is crucial for anyone who wants to engage meaningfully with American society. Enhance your cultural competence. Freedom, equality, and perseverance define Juneteenth and are important global values 👏 Let’s build a more inclusive future with communication based on cultural awareness. #EasyTalk #BusinessEnglish #CrossCulturalCommunication #Juneteenth #CulturalAwareness #IsraeliProfessionals

The Florida state board of education approved new African American history standards for grades K-12 that are drawing national criticism for the framing of certain topics, including descriptions of slavery, and the exclusion of others. One of the most widely criticized standards requires teachers to teach middle school students that under enslavement, some African Americans gained skills that later benefitted them. In actual fact, there was no benefit to slavery. The new standards—approved earlier this month—are meant to be in place for the coming school year, according to a spokesperson for the state department of education. Teachers have the option to attend a virtual training on August 7 where the standards will be reviewed. (Florida schools typically start by August 10, according to the state’s largest teachers’ union.) Systemic racism fueled by chattel slavery was engrained into the United States by a capitalist system of free labor, indiscriminate sexual behavior by raping Black women, physical mutilation, torture, denial of education and the misuse of religion. By pulling punches on slavery with middle school students we are miseducating young people. This is simply because many White people don’t want to be reminded of the atrocities their ancestors committed against my ancestors. Slavery, Jim Crow, Segregation and lack of DEI is the evolution of racial discrimination.

Celebrating Ubuntu: Where African History Meets Global Unity  Ubuntu in education can reduce racial bullying in schools and create a deeper understanding of our connectivity as a human race. Let's continue to honour and celebrate the rich tapestry of African history, recognising that it is integral to the story of humanity. Together, let's build a future where unity, diversity, and inclusivity reign supreme. 🌍 #Ubuntu#AfricanHistoryIsWorldHistory#GlobalUnity#WeAreOne

Juneteenth: Reflecting on Our Past to Build a Better Future Recognizing our history is crucial for societal growth. By acknowledging past mistakes, we understand the importance of fighting for equal access to education for African-American students, freedom of speech, and non-discrimination in every aspect of life. Educating ourselves about pivotal moments in our history, like Juneteenth, can foster greater understanding and empathy. Many of us can’t imagine a world like the one faced by enslaved people. When Texas finally acknowledged the end of slavery in 1865, it was 30 months after Lincoln’s proclamation. Yet, even today, America continues to grapple with racial discrimination. Let’s learn, empathize, and strive for a more just and equal society. #juneteenth

What is the point of any of what we are doing as educators if we cannot say with all our breath something as basic as "Ceasefire" or "Free Palestine" or "Black Lives Matter" or create the conditions and expectations for true inclusion and belonging for our LGTBQIA+ students and staff, or any number of other humanity-affirming statements and calls for action? Why do we ask students to follow norms of kindness and respect if not in ultimate hopes that they embody and truly act in ways that no longer allow the horrific injustices like the ones we ask them to "study" in class? Why do we encourage them to "be a leader" if not in hopes that they will lead their peers and society to always, always, always push for justice and peace? What is all this for? And While we reimagine the bigger, restorative, peace-building purpose of what all this should be for, what brave actions does that suggest we must each be willing to take within our schools and districts?