“We have to figure out what our theme will be for Halloween.” Every year when I heard this statement, I cringed. Halloween is just another day on the calendar for me. The only Halloween activity I do faithfully is watch “It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown.” It does not matter how many times I hear…
The 8 Black Hands Podcast filmed a live show in the historic Madam Walker Legacy Center theater on Tuesday, October 5, 2021. The day before the show, the Indy K12 crew was able to have dinner with three 8 Black Hands members. Days after the show, I was still processing the conversation we had at…
Columbus Day should have never been a holiday. This is a concept that some people struggle with because of some warped sense of belief in Manifest Destiny, a belief that colonization was inevitable and God’s will. Vincent Schilling, an award-winning Native American journalist, wrote about Christopher Columbus a few years ago to bring to light…
The boots on the ground in education are our teachers, and it’s war. Teachers are trying to ensure students learn while also ensuring they are safe from the coronavirus in addition to helping students navigate the emotional impact the coronavirus has left on many of us. Annually, October 5 is World Teachers’ Day. This year’s…
As of late, school board meetings have shifted from places of order to places full of shouting and noise. Indiana is not exempt from this national trend. In particular, Carmel Clay School board meetings have been full of push back from parents who have concerns about what is happening in the school district. Across the…
“But what do you do? I don’t understand what you are going to do today.” “Today, I am leading professional development; I’m teaching teachers.” “How do you teach a teacher?” For the 2021-2022 school year, I am doing education consulting full-time. Depending on the school, my work varies. My son does not understand my work…
According to the CDC, for children ages 10-18, the second leading cause of death is suicide. Although the suicide rate for Black people remains low, it is increasing in Black youth. The study “Black Youth Suicide: Investigation of Current Trends and Precipitating Circumstances” found that the suicide rate for Black teens, 15-17, increased 4.9% and…
September 15 – October 15 is Hispanic Heritage Month. Similar to other heritage and history months, it is an opportunity to lift up and share knowledge. There is a wide range of people who fall under the umbrella Hispanic and this includes Afro-Latinos. At times, they are not included as much during Hispanic Heritage Month….
Racial affinity groups have come under attack for many of the same reasons some states have banned critical race theory in K-12 schools. No matter the beliefs a person has, most people can agree that racism is wrong. The problem comes when people cannot agree upon what is considered racism. Racial affinity groups have been…
“Where are our ancestors from?” This was a question that came from one of my sons when I was on my way to drop off a clothing donation. I did not understand why I was being asked this question. After some follow up questions, I learned my sons were working on a project for school….