FAQ

Most schools today are led by white men, women and their all-white leadership teams leaving little room for black and brown children to envision themselves as leaders. This is witnessed as young as preschool causing a distorted vision of what equality should resemble in this 21st century. Therefore, intentional efforts and policies must be made to ensure leadership strategically places people of all ethnicities in managerial roles creating opportunities for all.

As Black and Brown people, we all understand the adage... “You have to work twice as hard to get half as far”. Show up as your best self every single day. Engage in hard conversations that lead to awareness and change. We all can be advocates, whether for ourselves, our children, students, or colleagues. Advocate. Teach your student to self-advocate. Request a meeting with necessary stakeholders, remain calm, explain the issue, create an action plan, discuss viable solutions, and plan to reconvene with follow-up meetings as needed until the issue is resolved.

I believe it important to understand that climbing higher in education does not necessarily mean to add more degrees or more titles. Set realistic goals and conquer them one at a time. When you’re on an incline to help others, you will see the impact you’re making. Teaching and learning should be fun. When you began to work harder to get to work before the actual workday begins…Stop, take a breath, take time to self-evaluate and re-evaluate your path. You cannot help others if you do not take care of yourself first. Pray for strength and a strategy.

This is a hard NO! I do not believe it’s the job of minorities to educate the majority on the importance of diversity, equity, and inclusion. Neither Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. nor Nelson Mandela was able to solve inequalities alone. It took a village. They were supported by people of all colors and backgrounds to enact change. In this modern day, people must be willing to not only see through their own lenses, but the lenses of others. With that, the quality of life will be better for us all. God commands us to love all despite of our differences. That’s the definition of true empathy!

Change begins at the top with its leader. It goes beyond the structure, the blueprint, buildings, walls, or gates. It’s the mindset of the individuals (school boards), the people that staff the schools (district leaders) and the staff itself (teachers, paraprofessionals, cafeteria staff, bus drivers, custodians, maintenance workers). How we view ourselves, our children, and our loved ones has POWER! If we attempted to see others from those same lenses, we could all have an equal opportunity to run a fair and unbiased R.A.C.E.

The parent-education partnership requires an understanding that success is a give-give far more than what is taken in a traditional relationship. Educators must believe ALL students can learn regardless of their demographics or socioeconomic status. Parents must believe in their children and send them to school prepared to learn. As an educator/parent, I believe parents must stand up, take responsibility and accountability for their child’s education. This means show up, ask questions, and participate when able. You know your children better than anyone, so you must be willing to engage and work closely with those who are charged with educating your student for six to eight hours a day, five days a week. Parents are in a strategic long-term partnership with educators. In order for it to work, it will take team effort from the beginning stages. Learning starts at home and must be nurtured at birth with foundational principles such as instilling solid morals and values, manners and respect. As partners, it is our duty to model such behaviors.

We can begin by working together to make the schools atmosphere more inviting. Many parents see schools as modern-day plantations. They need to feel welcome and respected. We must be intentional in our efforts to get everyone involved. We must consider adding value that extends beyond a spaghetti dinner or gift card such as: Saturday workshops/trainings with childcare Create a community center on campus with staff to offer next-level enrichment opportunities for students and parents Partner with outside organizations (NAACP, Urban League, Alumni, HBCU’s, Hispanic Business Council) Survey parents, often, about what they would like to see on campus Require positive communication from staff