America has simply been ignoring conversations about prioritizing teacher diversity and equity for far too long. Black led educational organizations aren’t waiting for the Department of Education to get it right; they are making this a priority and taking the lead on building the next generation of educators! Public schools continue to struggle with teacher diversity and equity for…
Georgia May Have Saved The Nation But It Sure As Hell Ain’t Saving Its Teachers!
Recently, the alarming numbers of Georgia educators passing away due to COVID-19 is not only alarming but traumatizing. In the State of Georgia’s largest and most diverse school district, Gwinnett County Public Schools, the promises of equity, empowering and protecting all students just simply aren’t being lived up too. After the deaths of numerous teachers and educators in Georgia from…
Rioters, Looters and Terrorists, Oh My!
Rioters, looters, and terrorists attacking the White House in the name of “saving the democracy” was a lie, and it was a mockery of the thousands of American citizens that joined together during the pandemic to peacefully protest against the social injustices and racism towards Black and brown Americans. Not only did the world see the biased treatment of white…
Black Students Want Opportunities that Enhance Their Postsecondary Educational Outcomes, Not More Equity Talk!
Postsecondary success for Black students is a long time issue. Public school districts continue to recreate the same type of programs to incentive paths for post graduation for Black students that don’t render success. Realistically speaking, the programs can’t render success if Black students aren’t graduating as they should. Preparing Black students for college or post secondary options becomes even…
Improving Literacy for Black Students Must Be #1 on Our Christmas Wish List!
According to Forbes, on national tests last year, only 18 percent of Black 4th-graders scored proficient or above in reading; the figure for white 4th-graders was 45 percent. For 8th graders, the percentages were 15 and 42 percent. This suggests reading instruction in public schools is the reason for Black and brown student failure, but I disagree. The lack of…
Deciding to Graduate or Survive Shouldn’t Be A Challenge Black High School Students Face
Black high students are working full time during the pandemic and in school. One of our EdLanta student coalition members, Aisha Dukuly, is a hardworking high school senior in Gwinnett County, Georgia. She identifies with what many of her peers across the nation who are working during the pandemic to survive while preparing to graduate high school. In a conversation…
A Special Education Teacher In Georgia Ran for Schoolboard to Tear Down Years of Segregationist Ideals
Recently, longtime Gwinnett School Board Member, Mary Kay Murphy, is projected to have won her reelection campaign against Gwinnett County special education teacher Tanisha Banks. And yes, Tanisha is a Black woman whose name is added to the list of Black women across the country who ran for public office on a platform of equity. The 74 shared a powerful…