eRaced Podcast

This week Collette and Lisa ask Donna Orem, what, exactly, the organization is doing to help schools truly invest in equity, historically accurate curriculum and teacher training. Orem says the National Association of Independent Schools exists to lead and support a very diverse membership of independent schools. We ask her about the tools, the promises, and what schools and parents can do now to shift campus culture.See the full show notes at https://eracedpodcast.comIntro music by https://instagram.com/mikedupreemusic

A complete US history is better curriculum than one that leaves out Black history. Many elite private schools are struggling to fully embrace this in their school community. Some parents see a false dichotomy -- pitting academics against social justice. Some parents have a lot to learn. See the full show notes at https://eracedpodcast.comIntro music by https://instagram.com/mikedupreemusic

The classroom is traditionally where the teaching and learning takes place. Today, whole school communities are wrestling with all there is to learn - not just from the books, or the classics, but each other, every day, on campus.See the full show notes at https://eracedpodcast.comIntro music by https://instagram.com/mikedupreemusic

Both Jamie and Jay say they'd choose their high school again, although the experience had its challenges. Hear their insights about how navigating a school where you are one of a few can be hard, even distressing at times. Both students also say a lot of valuable life learning takes place outside of the classroom, too. Now sophomores in college, our guests advise keeping an open dialogue with parents throughout high school is helpful. Stuff happens and it helps to have guidance in advocating for yourself. And, yes, some thoughts about Black@. Spoiler: Yes, the posts seemed accurate.See the full show notes at https://eracedpodcast.comIntro music by https://instagram.com/mikedupreemusic

For students of color and their families, navigating the predominantly white spaces of a private school is typically a series of challenges. But it's not because we are having issues, it's because America is having issues. The Atlantic writer, Caitlin Flanagan says the problem with private schools is the perpetuation of systemic elitism in our country, historically and still today staked to race and class. Flanagan's thesis is tied to something we say on this show almost every episode: The very presence of Black students and families offers more to private schools than the schools have to offer us. We are the gift. Yes, Black and brown students -- whether they pay full tuition or get some financial aid -- graduate from private schools and mostly go on to top colleges, already growing a strong network. But do we really want to be there, regardless of the costs? Our guest makes this analogy, reminding us that in his memoir, President Obama says he hasn't given up…on America, yet.See the full show notes at https://eracedpodcast.comIntro music by https://instagram.com/mikedupreemusic

Right now, many independent schools are more eager than ever to bring in Black families, and often roll out the red carpet when you visit. You may even see and meet with lots of students and families of color. Intentions to embrace diversity may be real. But once your child enrolls and you are there, that doesn't always mean there are organized spaces and communities within the school for students and families of color. And what about the academics, and reading lists? Our guests today have five children attending two independent schools in Los Angeles. They chose their schools carefully, they love the schools. And, truth: they are always working on being Black@, to improve the experience for their own kids, their families, and others. Here is the tea, take a listen.See the full show notes at https://eracedpodcast.comIntro music by https://instagram.com/mikedupreemusic

Most independent schools have a Director of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion. Or the search is on, due to the current climate around racial reckoning. In this episode, we talk with Rasheda Carroll and Chris Dennis, two seasoned DEI experts now serving as assistant head of schools in Los Angeles. They understand what it takes to nurture students, plus all of the realities around the work of changing school culture. DEI efforts are often intended to inform everything that happens at school - from admissions to academics, campus life and family involvement. They are on call for some of the most volatile challenges in the school community, but do they have the tools and support they need? How can the person in this role hold the school accountable? Do their strategies get adequate support? And why isn't there a whole team on board to make this happen? We dig in to how DEI work really happens, and what works.See the full show notes at https://eracedpodcast.comIntro music by https://instagram.com/mikedupreemusic

For students navigating predominantly white schools, being in the numeric minority is a fact of every day. Affinity groups provide unapologetic affirmations of identity. Collette & Lisa talk with Rosetta Lee about the four P's provided by affinity groups: pride, protection, preparation and practice, including helping students role play taking on questions by responding with "I don't represent everybody in my group, but this is my experience." Lee also brings the data that makes it clear affinity groups are essential, and not "ruining kids innocence" by pointing out people's differences, reminding us that even babies at six months old notice and show preferences for in-group facial features, because survival depends on it. Affinity groups are support systems based in evolution, we are hardwired to be supported and protected, including at school. Plus how-to's for schools starting or building affinity groups.See the full show notes at https://eracedpodcast.comIntro music by https://instagram.com/mikedupreemusic

Our guest, educator and non-profit leader Charles Adams of the Lion's Story, is deep in the work, and he wants you to know that racial literacy is skills based -- it starts with making observations, understanding encounters, and intentionally practicing ways to resolve racially stressful situationsLearn what it means to be racially literate, and how this skill is essential for children particularly in predominantly white institutions. Like most learning, it starts at home.See the full show notes at https://eracedpodcast.comIntro music by https://instagram.com/mikedupreemusic

Our guest in this episode, Nationally renowned scholar and speaker, Dr. Jamila Lyiscott, offers this challenge: Let's start real conversations.Right now some school communities are talking about -- and examining -- the systemic racism baked in to our schools' programs, curriculum and culture.The intentions are good, and some of that conversation is meaningful, but some of it is really just talk. Because it can be very hard to have deep discussions and hear each other when it comes to the harms and the how-to's required for making real change.Dr. J unpacks the language, learnings and framing that can illuminate pathways to honest conversations and change.And some good news about schools and communities that are doing it right.See the full show notes at https://eracedpodcast.comIntro music by https://instagram.com/mikedupreemusic

On this episode- a look at the history of elite Private Schools. with our guest Dr. Michelle Purdy author of Transforming the Elite:Black Students and the Desegregation of Private Schools, Following the Supreme Court ruling on Brown v. Board of Education which mandated desegregation of public schools, enrollment in private schools skyrocketed… but NOT for black students. Simply put, White families did not want to integrate. Eventually, some independent schools DID accept black students for fear of bad publicity and concerns about their tax exempt status. — he first Black students enrolled in southern private schools in the mid 1960s, but how welcome were those “fearless firsts?” In her book Transforming the Elite: Black Students and the Desegregation of Private Schools, our guest Dr. Michelle Purdy focuses on the Westminster School in Atlanta… yes, Lisa went there. Purdy attended St. Andrews Episcopal School in Jackson, MS and today as a professor of education at Washington University, she's continues to track the ways private schools struggle with creating a culture that sees and hears ALL students. This week we dive deep into what happened then, our own experiences and what's being said on the “Black@" accounts where students are sharing their own experiences of what it's like to be Black at a private school in the 2020s.See the full show notes at https://eracedpodcast.comIntro music by https://instagram.com/mikedupreemusic

Denevi unpacks the ways institutions often derail good intentions with "pacing for privilege" and other practices that may not be recognized as racist.She explains how acknowledging and addressing harms, attempting truth and reconciliation and even securing Black families' donor dollars often left on the table (by creating giving circles!) are all strategies that can benefit schools by turning anti-racist intentions into actions.

In this episode, we talk to celebrity hair stylist, Felicia Leatherwood about black hair and the history of why you can't touch it. Connect with Felicia Leatherwood: http://www.felicialeatherwood.com/See the full show notes at https://eracedpodcast.comIntro music by https://instagram.com/mikedupreemusic

In this episode, we talk about the experiences of black girls in all white education spaces with Olivia V.G. Clarke and Theresa Clarke. Olivia is the author of Black Girl, White School: Thriving, Surviving and No, You Can't Touch My Hair. Connect with Olivia: https://oliviavgclarke.comSee the full show notes at https://eracedpodcast.comIntro music by https://instagram.com/mikedupreemusic

What is implicit bias? Who has it? Can it help to end discrimination? We talk with Steven Cleveland, activist, filmmaker and educator about implicit bias and how it plays out in education and society as a whole. See the full show notes at https://eracedpodcast.comIntro music by https://instagram.com/mikedupreemusic

In this episode, we talk about the true cost of sending our kids of color to independent schools and if it is really worth it. We also have two guests joining us today, Reveta Bowers and Luthern Williams.See the full show notes at https://eracedpodcast.comIntro music by https://instagram.com/mikedupreemusic

In this episode, we talk about the importance of diverse leadership especially amongst independent school boards, the path to joining a school board, what the responsibilities look like, and some of the challenges that come along with that. We also have two guests joining us today, John Shallman and Guy Primus.See the full show notes at https://eracedpodcast.comIntro music by https://instagram.com/mikedupreemusic

In this episode, we talk about the Vice Presidential debates, do a quick check in and take a look back at the guests we have had on our show so far!See the full show notes at https://eracedpodcast.comIntro music by https://instagram.com/mikedupreemusic

In this episode, we talk about Allyship with Shelly Tochluk and Ansley Newsom Kreitler. We discuss how to be a better ally and show up, the growing pains of understanding and accepting systemic racism, the difference between being an empath and an ally, and so much more. See the full show notes at https://eracedpodcast.comResources from this episode:AWARE-LA.org Saturday Dialogues, hosted by Shellyhttps://www.awarela.org/saturday-dialogueRacial Justice Freeway article on Medium:https://medium.com/@shellytochluk/on-ramps-and-lanes-on-the-racial-justice-freeway-9ff2ee051042Webster speech, Allyship in a Time of Polarization:Video version: https://livestream.com/accounts/22203691/events/9010134/videos/202331865Podcast version: https://soundcloud.com/edgorlok/diversity-and-inclusion-2020-allyship-in-a-time-of-polarizationIntro music by https://instagram.com/mikedupreemusic

In this episode, we talk about intersectionality, when it comes to racism and sexism, along with analyzing how the “B” word and “N” word are perceived differently. We also discuss the problems that face the case of Breonna Taylor and how black women can be more supported.Donate to Steven's project here: http://www.akinginparadise.comIntro music by https://instagram.com/mikedupreemusicSee the full show notes at https://eracedpodcast.com

In this episode, we talk about cultural appropriation, intent vs impact and have a guest joining us, Steven Cleveland, an activist, filmmaker and Professor of Black Studies at Cal State East Bay.Intro music by https://instagram.com/mikedupreemusicSee the full show notes at https://eracedpodcast.com

In this episode, we talk about Collette's new non profit organization that will be helping students of color and their families with admissions into private schools. We also cover admissions generally, since they are coming up and how important it is to vet a school, whether that be in person or virtually!Learn more about Private School Axis here: https://www.privateschoolaxis.org/Intro music by https://instagram.com/mikedupreemusic

In this episode, we talk about what it means for parents to show up and we have two parents also joining us. Nikea Johnson and Yetunde Daniels Rubinstein who each have their own parenting experiences and perspectives on why it is so important for parents to be involved in their children's school life.We discuss:- Parent Engagement In School Is Necessary- Moments Of Feeling “eRaced”- Advice For Parents Facing Adversity Or Low Morale- DEI In Schools AND At Home...and more!Follow us on Instagram: https://instagram.com/eracedpodcastIntro music by https://instagram.com/mikedupreemusic

In this episode, we talk about our experiences in our respective roles, our thoughts on the roles of DEI in schools and how that is changing in the current climate.We discuss:- DEI work: Is It rocket science?- Hindrances to the progress of DEI work.- Lack of communication and leadership within school about diversity, equity and inclusion.- Cultural assessment around readiness.Follow us on Instagram @eracedpodcastwww.eracedpodcast.comIntro music by https://www.instagram.com/mikedupreemusic/

Black (Student) Lives Matter and in this episode, we're talking to Janine Hancock Jones, Director of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion at Harvard-Westlake.We discuss…- How to support diversity, equity, and inclusion for students in school.- Difficulties between the ties of racism and politics.- Her anti-racism plans for Harvard WestLake…and more!Get the full show notes here: https://www.eracedpodcast.com/episodesConnect with Janine here: https://instagram.com/hwdiversityequityinclusionLink to DEI Resources: https://www.hw.com/about/Diversity-Equity-InclusionIntro music by https://www.instagram.com/mikedupreemusic/

Welcome to eRaced! Meet your hosts Collette Bowers Zinn & Lisa Johnson as they share everything you need to know about this podcast and WHY they decided to start it.Learn more at https://eracedpodcast.com Intro music by https://www.instagram.com/mikedupreemusic/

As people of color, we will no longer be eRaced!It's hard to stay encouraged, sane, and productive when on countless occasions, despite your education, socio-economic status, accomplishments and more, you are made to feel invisible, diminished because of skin color or simply put, eRaced.Join our hosts, Collette Bowers Zinn and Lisa Johnson, two Black moms bonded by bluntness, tenacity and an unwavering commitment to creating communities of support particularly during the K-12 experience, as they interview guests and discuss the many nuances of being eRaced.Whether it's exploring where the intersections of education, race, and culture collide, dissecting inter-racial issues, or shining a light on examples of positive movement, eRaced will help you navigate and thrive (despite being marginalized).Learn more at eracedpodcast.com.Intro music by https://www.instagram.com/mikedupreemusic/