Harvard Ash Center for Democratic Governance and Innovation’s Post

🎉 Next month marks the 70th anniversary of the landmark Brown v. Board of Education decision, a pivotal moment in the fight for civil rights and equality in education. While this decision aimed to dismantle the "separate but equal" doctrine, its legacy is complex and far-reaching. I recently had the pleasure of teaching my students about this intricate legacy during our February Black History Month culture and diversity lessons. The immediate backlash following the decision led to the unjust removal of educators of color from the education industry for decades, perpetuating systemic racism and inequality. This is most evident in the persistent lack of diversity within the education sector. Before Brown v Board of Education, there were thousands of highly qualified Black and Brown teachers in segregated schools across the nation. However, following the decision, many of these schools were shut down, and there was a nationwide mass firing of Black and Brown educators. Despite their equal or even superior qualifications, they were often not hired in the newly integrated schools. Some districts even refused to integrate and instead closed all their schools for a few years. As with many aspects of society, representation matters. The absence of educators of color likely discouraged students of color from pursuing education degrees, further exacerbating the lack of diversity in the profession. This vicious cycle has been perpetuated for 70 years. As we celebrate progress, it's crucial to acknowledge and confront the ongoing echoes of this racist backlash that still reverberate today. Let's honor this anniversary by learning and sharing the accurate history, while also reaffirming our commitment to creating inclusive and equitable educational environments for all. #BrownvBoard #CivilRights #InclusiveEducation #EducationForAll 📚✊🏾

Get to know 2024 Hogans Fellow Valeria Sabaté Valeria's favorite movie in the past year is "Oppenheimer" - "We see similar political and technological struggles to those we are facing today. I am a big believer of history repeating itself, and Oppenheimer serves as a lens through which we can learn from our past." Valeria is part of the Hogans Fellows cohort of young leaders from diverse backgrounds helping advance public affairs. Learn more about Valeria and the entire cohort here: https://lnkd.in/e6misMaa

We’re celebrating 5 years of reimagining probation and parole by changing laws, systems and culture to create real pathways to work and wellbeing at REFORM Alliance

Michael Neill, this quote really resonates with me. We can easily lose sight of the challenges we have already faced when dealing with creative blocks in the present. It's all fun when past successes are shared with friends, but clinging to the past can make us forget that trying, failing, building, destroying, and creating will always mostly be hard work. We might feel frustrated when thinking about past successes, forgetting what they had cost us, or becoming anxious about our immediately possible inability to repeat them, too. The Truth lies in Trust (and... WORK) when leaning into the power of creation and creativity. #powerofcreation #creativity

⭐Introducing our employee spotlight for Jewish American Heritage Month: Meet Hagai Schwartz! In the article linked below, learn how Hagai uses the values he learned growing up to excel in his role as a Technical Support Representative. Check out the article here 👉 https://lnkd.in/dU_e_tVK

IDLO’s 2023 Annual Report, “40 Years of Creating a Culture of Justice”, highlights the relevance of IDLO’s mandate and underscores the importance of our work during another challenging year for the rule of law, justice and human rights across the globe.

I've learned much from k. kennedy Whiters, AIA over the past few years, and I learn more all the time. If you'd like a vital and highly relevant perspective on race in history and historic preservation, check out her new publication on Substack.

The Power of Representation Representation matters. The underrepresentation of Black individuals in leadership roles perpetuates a cycle of non-inclusivity and lack of awareness. A mere 3.2% of executive or senior-level positions are held by Black professionals, a glaring disparity that undermines the effectiveness of diversity and inclusion initiatives. "Diversity is being invited to the party; inclusion is being asked to dance," says Vernā Myers, VP of Inclusion Strategy at Netflix. Organizations must actively elevate Black voices in decision-making roles to dismantle systemic barriers. This includes implementing mentorship programs and leadership development initiatives and ensuring diverse perspectives are present at the table. Dive into our blog post, "Unmasking the Barriers: The Journey of Black Americans with Disabilities in the Workplace" Part 2 of 5, https://lnkd.in/g73x_ZYr At Baker Consulting, we understand the complexities of creating accessible and inclusive workplaces. Our READI2B framework is designed to help organizations navigate this journey with empathy, courage, and strategic vision. We work closely with businesses to assess their current practices, identify areas for improvement, and develop comprehensive plans that prioritize the needs of marginalized communities, including Black Americans with disabilities. Reach out to us today to learn how we can support your organization in dismantling barriers and embracing equity. #DiversityEquityInclusion #DEI #EquityForAll #InclusionMatters #Accessibility #Equality #Disabilities #WorkplaceCulture

Justice tech in the right place at the right time to accelerate immediate, meaningful and lasting change in #accesstojustice.