Reading Partners’ Post

“Thank you for standing defiantly against the legacy of oppression our children and communities have faced for generations.” - @selmekki “Racism is America’s original birth defect,” James Baldwin once wrote. A harsh truth, but today, let’s focus on something else Baldwin said “To teach Black children superbly is a revolutionary act.” We rage against the systemic racism that’s plagued this nation since its inception. But this time, outrage isn’t enough. It’s hope, the fuel for revolution, that’s sparking a fire in my soul. Revolutions aren’t just about anger and overthrow. They’re about building a better future. And the most powerful weapon we have in this fight? #Education. Imagine a world where every educator, not just Black educators, sees the brilliance in every Black child. Where classrooms are filled with not just textbooks, but with the rich tapestry of Black history and culture. This isn’t about lowering standards. It’s about raising expectations – for ALL students. It’s about nurturing the potential that often goes unseen, unheard, and sadly, sometimes even actively undermined. This is the revolution we need. Not one of violence and upheaval, but one of empowered minds, shattered stereotypes, and a future where Black excellence isn’t an anomaly, but the norm. Are you an educator? How can we create classrooms that celebrate Black brilliance? Parents? Share your stories of amazing Black educators! Everyone? Let’s spread the message of hope and educational revolution! #BlackHistoryMadeEveryDay #EducationRevolution #WeAreTheChange #TeachingBlackExcellence #UnleashingPotential #TheFutureIsBlack #HopeForChange #WordsOfWisdom #EducationIsPower https://lnkd.in/esJtTK96

In this article, Dr. Leslie Fenwick discusses the expulsion of Black principals and teachers from desegregating schools after Brown v. Board. In the article, Dr. Fenwick explains that discriminatory (and often illegal) removal of Black educators started as early as 1952 and lasted “well into the 1970s.” Dr. Fenwick goes on to say that, “Today, the nation, not to mention our public education system, is still living with the fallout [of Black teacher removal after Brown v. Board]: traumatized Black school children; roughly $1-2 billion in salary losses and the largest orchestrated brain drain ever experienced in the U.S. public education system.” This article (and the rest of Dr. Fenwick’s published work) shows how the segregation of the past perniciously persists into the present. That’s why we’re highlighting her work (like our podcast episode with Dr. Fenwick, which you can listen to with our link in bio). We’re highlighting it to show how school segregation still happens today and how it often happens in insidious ways. Yes, Brown v. Board made school segregation federally illegal, but that doesn’t mean Brown v. Board actually ended segregation. In fact, in the midst of progressive strides like Brown v. Board, those that refused to let go of segregation found a way (and continue to find a way) to limit and thwart integration anywhere they can such as removing and discriminating against Black teachers. Read the full article https://buff.ly/3Li7IAc And JOIN US to discuss Dr Fenwick's book Jim Crow's Pink Slip https://buff.ly/3OrYcxh #IntegratedSchools #BlackandWhite #Interracial #Multiracial #Identity #CivilRightsMovement #HumanRights #AntiRacism #DeSegregation #WealthEquity #DiversityandInclusion #inclusion #community #redlining #diversity #socialjustice #socialjusticeeducation #wealthgap #local #publicschools #parenting #parent #momlife #dadlife #boymom #girlmom #schoolchoice #privateschool #publicschool

This is a must read for all educators, scholars, parents, etc! Research documents that Black boys psychologically drop out by 3rd and 4th grades! Why? Often due to racism and an educational system stance that views their behavior as pathological, criminal, etc. How do I know? Because we parented 2 Black boys and cared for many in the community struggling to be visible and cared for equitably. Please read and share. Thanks to this amazing scholar!#anti-carceralpedegogy#education#educators

Today, we honor Juneteenth, a pivotal day in American history. Let's explore its significance and ways to promote positive change. Juneteenth, also known as Freedom Day, commemorates June 19, 1865, when Union soldiers arrived in Galveston, Texas, to announce the end of slavery, over two years after the Emancipation Proclamation. This day represents the delayed freedom of enslaved African Americans. In celebration, consider supporting these impactful organizations: 🔗 ACLU - Defends civil liberties and fights systemic racism. Learn more: aclu.org  🔗 NAACP - Advocates for the social, economic, and political rights of marginalized communities. Get involved: naacp.org 🔗 BOLD Organizing - Empowers black leaders and movements for sustainable change. Discover more: boldorganizing.org  🔗 National Black Women's Justice Institute - Focuses on issues faced by black women in the criminal justice system. Explore their work: nbwji.org By supporting these organizations, we can help combat systemic racism, inequality, and injustice. Let's work together for a future of dignity, respect, and equal opportunities for all. To learn more about Juneteenth, check out this article: https://lnkd.in/g4EX_uUD #Juneteenth #FreedomDay #EqualityAndJustice #SupportChange #BlackHistory #FRCMO #MarketingLeaders #MarketingCommunity

As educators we can face unique challenges and obstacles within the educational system. Racism, bias, and discrimination can make it difficult for people of African ancestry to feel valued in their workplace. BE Truth to Power is gathering insights on incidents of racism in schools with the goal of fostering community and empowering Black education staff to share their experiences. Our mission is to advocate for liberation for all through meaningful policy reform. The findings from this survey will be shared with the Department for Education. In this survey, we invite you to provide information about your current school experiences through the following sections: Section 1: Demographic Information  Section 2: Experiences with Racism Section 3: School Response and Support Section 4: Suggestions for Improvement Please help us spread the word about this survey within your teaching and professional networks, union WhatsApp groups, and on social media. We will also make space to share the information gathered. https://tr.ee/CtS-Y8udkv

#Juneteenth celebrates emancipation, but let’s be honest, America owes #BlackAmerica a lot more than a day off. There’s still a knife in the back of progress, holding Black communities back, generation after generation. Quality education is the key to unlocking the true promise of Juneteenth. We can’t talk about freedom without equal opportunity to learn and thrive. Emancipation freed Black people from physical chains, but segregated schools became new shackles. Quality education is today’s Juneteenth, the long-delayed promise of a level playing field. Politicians love to brag about “the American Dream,” but for Black students, it feels more like a recurring nightmare. Underfunded schools, biased curriculums, and a lack of resources keep Black students from reaching their full potential. This Juneteenth, let’s acknowledge the unfinished business of racial justice. Let’s confront the educational inequality that continues to hold Black America back. We need teachers, parents, and communities to fight for equity, not just equality. Let’s dismantle the systems that perpetuate the “knife in the back,” and build schools that empower ALL students to chase their dreams. Share this post, tag someone who can make a difference, and let’s make Juneteenth a turning point. It’s time to finally deliver on the promise of a quality education for every child, regardless of race. #JuneteenthEveryDay #QualityEducationForAll #BreakingTheChains #BlackLivesMatter #EducationEquity #juneteenth #juneteenthweekend #happyjuneteenth https://lnkd.in/eMxmvWJv

I’ve been Black my whole life—miseducated and left out of the best opportunities. A child with a visual impairment and inspire of it remained a curious-to-the-core, voracious leader. A Black child who grew up in a village and a city ravaged by one of the many government sanctioned genocides against Black communities is now one of the fiercest advocates for teachers and students and especially Black teachers and students. When we support teachers and listen to them—when we take the time to be there for a young educator—when we show them equity and trauma-informed care—when we are culturally responsive and competent—when we prioritize the science of learning and discuss brain-rewiring activities, we teach them the value of being an educator and the likelihood of unmerited success. There are so many racing through the classroom to tell a teacher to become a feckless, lazy leader. Sitting on their behinds earning a six figure salary so they can project, “I have arrived”. To muzzle us, oppress us and demoralize those of us who tread the corn. Some of us are not okay with any of that. We are those who disrupt systems of oppression in educational spaces. If you’re in the fight with us, know this: You are not alone. We are not popular. We are needed. Keep going! Keep going! Keep going! Shake every tree! Being down every wasted house! Don’t stop until there is educational justice for all teachers and children — I promise there is no educational justice for students without the teachers who inspire them to speak with the voices they always had. Educating children is not a game—it is a revolution in evolution. #blackteachersmatter #isupportblackteachers #isupportteachers #isupportparents #isupportfamilies #isupportcommunities #educationrevolution #freedomschools #communityinvolvement #activism #educationalactivism

Students return to school after a summer of racist violence – but the Government’s guidance fails to address the root causes of this, focusing instead on ‘fake news’ & ‘extremism’. We need real anti-racist education that tackles structural inequalities.   The deliberate attempt to deflect from the root causes of the racism on the streets is offensive and should not be repeated by teachers in the classroom.   Educators have responsibility to develop their own critical consciousness and racial literacy because it transforms the way we teach, what we model to students and the opportunities we create for them during their time at school.   It’s difficult to understand how after Covid we are still refusing to understand the underlying conditions of inequality and racism that harm Black/brown communities.   Start here with some practical resources already being used in classrooms and for training with teachers: https://lnkd.in/e-un2mfT

https://lnkd.in/e7KzKD32 Not enough attention is focused on the experiences of Black and Latino teachers. Sense of belonging for teachers is equally as important as the sense of belonging for students.  #diversityequityinclusion

 Register Now and Join us at the Black Literacy Matters Inaugural Conference – where crucial conversations and impactful change intersect!  Are you aware of the persistent achievement gap in literacy proficiency among black students? It's time to address this critical issue head-on! This conference is a must-attend for anyone committed to transforming the narrative and championing civil, human, and social justice. Whether you work with students, care deeply about education, or want to be an ally in the fight for equity – your presence is crucial!  Exciting news! We are thrilled to announce one of our phenomenal speakers, Diane Dragan!   She will be presenting on a topic that dives deep into the heart of our mission. Get ready for an eye-opening session that will leave you inspired and empowered. Here's a sneak peek of her abstract:  Session Title:When a School Does Not Offer Structured Literacy, What Next?  Abstract: Many schools do not have appropriately trained teachers or evidence-based curriculum in their districts. What options do parents have when their child needs services the school can’t or won’t offer? How can a parent get outside tutoring services paid for or private placement at public expense? What is a state complaint? What is a due process hearing? When should parents consider reaching out to an advocate or an attorney to assist a family in getting services? Knowing your child’s rights is essential to getting FAPE.  Save your spot now – space is limited!   Register for the Black Literacy Matters Inaugural Conference at  https://lnkd.in/eHwQn3YA.  Let's come together, learn, and take meaningful steps towards a more equitable future!    #BlackLiteracyMatters  #EducationalEquity #TransformTheNarrative