Last month, I wrote about the need for white folks who are looking for ways to address racial injustice in America to support black founders. I challenged funders and individuals to make big investments in the organizations and initiatives that black leaders create. After reading my article, a few funders asked me to talk in … Continue reading What funders should do to support black founders: Part 1
Tools for students and parents fighting against racism in their schools
This post is for those who are tired of asking for people to acknowledge 400 years of black pain in America. This post is for those who know that our education system works in tandem with our criminal justice system to devalue black lives. Our school leaders and policymakers shouldn't have needed to see George … Continue reading Tools for students and parents fighting against racism in their schools
You asked what white folks can do. Support black founders.
After the latest spate of black pain and protests interrupted the white gaze, there seems to be a great white awakening afoot. I'm not quite sure what was particularly poignant about this round of lynchings but folks are starting to connect the dots between 400 years of oppression and our present condition. And like Ibram … Continue reading You asked what white folks can do. Support black founders.
If you’re mad about riots you don’t really understand black pain
A few months ago, I watched the movie Just Mercy and, for yet another time in my life, I felt the strangest of feelings. A part of it was the feeling of sadness and deep pain as I watched innocent black men being snatched from their families and fast-tracked to death row without evidence. Another … Continue reading If you’re mad about riots you don’t really understand black pain
What students say about COVID-19 and remote learning
With school buildings in Delaware now closed until the end of the academic year, it is more important than ever that educators and policymakers understand how remote learning is working for students. Earlier this week, I had the pleasure of moderating a panel of students from across the state of Delaware where they shared their thoughts … Continue reading What students say about COVID-19 and remote learning
How “woke” white folks block black women’s progress
It's Women's History Month and this is your friendly reminder that black women are undermined, underappreciated, and outright mistreated in this country. Black women are the breadwinners. They are “the most active voting blocs in the US electorate.” They are community-builders and the unsung heroes of the civil rights movement. They are the United States’ … Continue reading How “woke” white folks block black women’s progress
The Delaware school board controversy nobody is talking about
Delaware school boards have been in the news recently for all the wrong reasons. But the most alarming school board controversy is getting no attention. Several articles have been written about offensive comments made during Odyssey Charter School board meetings and the corresponding backlash. Christina school board member Fred Polaski’s “take ‘em away from mom” … Continue reading The Delaware school board controversy nobody is talking about
University of Delaware’s president owes Delaware students an apology
University of Delaware's (UD) President Dennis Assanis owes the talented and hardworking students of Delaware an apology. In response to a question during the recent Joint Finance Committee meeting about why fewer than 40% of the school's students come from Delaware, President Assanis explained: “I am not the one holding back the kids in Delaware … Continue reading University of Delaware’s president owes Delaware students an apology
‘Tis the season for a big gift we don’t want from education insiders
It's that special time of year again. While some of us are sound asleep, things are being packaged and wrapped up neatly with a bow for us. But during this season of giving, what if the surprise package that awaits is unwanted or is not beneficial for us? As someone who works to empower everyday … Continue reading ‘Tis the season for a big gift we don’t want from education insiders
Love public education? Care about who runs our schools.
It doesn't matter how much you wear “red for public ed.” It doesn't mean you love public education. It doesn't even mean you stand with teachers or truly care what happens with students in our schools. It's like wearing red on Valentine's Day as your gift to your significant other. They’d take substance over style … Continue reading Love public education? Care about who runs our schools.
Urgency of Now 