Marvel movies and television programs are a thing in my family. We watch them, discuss them, and await the latest installments. One aspect of the Marvel world is the importance of a character's origin story. How did this character come to be? What happened in their life that made them who they are today? How will this impact their actions in the story?
Thinking of the Marvel origin stories made me realize the importance of sharing the origin story of Folks of Color in Schools.
In 2016, a group of DEI practitioners began gathering and continued to gather socially. We agreed that our conversations were a community of folks that cared about each other, that we should feel free to state what we needed, and that anything we shared was confidential. We found this gathering space to be a place where we could fill our spiritual tanks and learn professionally. When I began my next chapter in Fall 2020, I asked for the help of an amazing advisory group to help launch Folks of Color in Schools. We hosted several gatherings last year for Educators of Color, Parents of Color, and White Collaborators.
This year we are again focused on supporting Educators of Color, Parents of Color, and White Collaborators. Here’s how we intend to support you:
Resources
Community Gatherings
It’s Elementary is a virtual affinity space for Elementary Educators of Color [Pre-K through 5th grade] from across the country to gather in community to share our work and intentionally develop classrooms and schools where our Children of Color thrive. Our theory is that if our Children of Color thrive our classroom communities will thrive. The group is facilitated by Suzanne Seungyoon Lee and me. The first ten educators who sign up and attend our December 9th gathering from 4:30 to 6:00 p.m. will receive a $50 gift card. Elementary Educators of Color can sign up here.
Joy & Happiness Hours
Offers a virtual time for Folks of Color who work in Education to gather and find joy together. Sometimes we have special guests, sometimes a gift is sent to you...there is always a feeling of togetherness and an opportunity to connect with folks. You can sign up for the February Joy & Happiness Hour here.
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Practitioner Collaborative
Regular virtual gathering times for those folks supporting diversity, equity, and inclusion work at their schools. These are scheduled for December, January, February, April, and May on the second Monday of each month. You can sign up here.
White Education Staffulty Caucus Space
This caucus space is designed for White educators to build a positive racial identity and to develop strategies and practices to nurture healthy multicultural spaces. This series is for you if you would like to:
Explore your formative racial experiences and racial identity;
Build a community of support, candor, and accountability, and
Develop and implement practices that support healthy multiracial schools.
White Education Staffulty Caucus gatherings are on these Thursdays (December 2, January 6, February 24, April 28, and June 2) from 5:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.
To join this cohort sign up here.
Finally, I need your help! If you are interested in volunteering to support People of Color in education I welcome you! Would you like to write a blog post? Do you want to volunteer to organize an event that supports Folks of Color in Education? Please reach out here.
~ Dori King, Coordinator
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