Lakeasha Williams’ Post

In the quest to foster an educational environment where diversity is not just welcomed but celebrated, "What Schools Must Do to Retain Black Educators," published by Jalisa Evans and Black Educator Advocates Network, serves as more than a report—it's a clarion call for action and change. The dedication and insight of Jenny Perla, MPP, Miguel Perla, and the team at Digital Clientele have illuminated the nuanced challenges faced by Black educators in our schools. Their experiences, as captured in this study, are crucial for understanding the systemic changes required to nurture a culture of inclusivity and respect. Reading the report is just the beginning. I stand with my fellow educators and advocates in urging everyone to not only absorb the findings but also to engage actively in the dialogue. Let's gather on February 1st to listen, learn, and commit to the actions that will uphold the value and significance of Black educators in our academic institutions (https://lnkd.in/eAfwXZTu). Our collective efforts can and will make a difference. Together, we can build a future where every educator feels valued and empowered. #education #educators #diversityinclusion #blackeducators #educationalequity #leadership #bipoc #Northstaracademics #femalefounders

Sending the Elevator Back Down with a Road Map: What Black Educators Need to Become Principals? (Marian University IRB Approved) Are you a Black educator who wants to become a school principal? Your voice is needed! This research study will dive deep into the journey of Black educators and uncover what they need to transition into the school principal role. It will highlight the experiences, challenges, and support systems necessary for Black educators to become principals. I encourage you to complete the Principal Confidence Survey—The Readiness for the Principalship. https://lnkd.in/gW7xhakd

Well, Chicago Public Schools just turned racist, communist and Marxist! Check out their new five year plan! White students are in big trouble! Chicago Public Schools' (CPS) new Five-Year Strategic Plan will govern the district from 2024–2025 to 2028–2029. The plan is expected to be submitted for approval by the Chicago Board of Education in the summer of 2024. The plan will include goals in the following areas: Daily learning experience, Adult capacity and continuous learning, Inclusive and collaborative school and community, Resources for equitable student experiences, and Operational excellence. The plan will build on the district's existing vision and will be based on community engagement. One of the priorities of the plan is a Black Student Success Plan, which will include recommendations such as: Culturally responsive instruction, Wrap-around services, and Incentives and programs for Black educators. https://lnkd.in/ejrUdfhC

“If you do well by Black students, more students will also benefit.” Our Executive Director, Dr. Christopher J. Nellum, spoke with EdSource about how states, districts, and schools can better support Black students. Including Black students, educators, and families in our data collection and policy priorities is essential to our efforts to level the educational playing field. Read the full interview at the link: https://lnkd.in/gvW5rZnk

While February is #BlackHistoryMonth, you know at #ClimateInnovation we celebrate Black greatness, innovation, liberation and beauty every single day! One of the ways we do this is through our Young Black Climate Leaders (YBCL) program that supports a growing, vibrant ecosystem of young Black leaders successfully advocating for and transforming their communities for racial and environmental justice. Learn more and see how to get involved: https://ow.ly/g0rI50Qxas3

This Black History Month, may we honor the incredible contributions, achievements, and resilience of the Black community throughout history - especially of those in the medical field. Learn more about the history of the noteworthy contributions to the industry from black medical innovators in this article from Duke University: https://ow.ly/I7i650Qxvor

Will you be attending AACC's Annual Conference in Louisville, Kentucky next month? Join my session, with Karen Stout titled “Realizing Black Learner Excellence at Community Colleges" at 9 a.m. on April 7. Black learners have been underserved and, as a result, have left America's postsecondary system. Community colleges, a critical entry point for first-generation, low-income, and Black students, have experienced the most significant loss. The new Level Up Report and get REAL framework will be discussed to engage participants in a renewed commitment to Black learner success. This call to action is an important step in establishing institutional, system, and policy change to support reforms to improve the outcomes for Black students pursuing postsecondary programs and degrees. American Association of Community Colleges

Had a Geat Time Being One of the Facilitators for the Lunch and Learn at University of South Florida, Tampa. Topic was, "How Black Students and Florida Benefit From College Attendance" I talked about the Three Rs that Black Students need at PWIs. 1. Representation - Does the Administation, Faculty, and Staff "Represent" and Reflect the schools black population? 2. Relatabiliy - Does the Administation, Faculty, and Staff "Relate" to the black population at the school? 3. Reliability - Is the Administation, Faculty, and Staff "Reliable", where the black population Trust them? We had a great open conversation and hopefully can create ways to make sure our black students feel, Represented, we can Relate to them, and they feel they can Rely and Trust us. Representation + Relatabiliy + Reliability = Retention and Graduation.