Rock the Schools with Citizen Stewart

Rock The Schools wraps up 100 episodes of education empowerment for parents, students and educators. Thank you to host Chris Stewart, who believes "all children are born with unsurpassable worth granted to them by God" and ended every show with that message. Chris is the Rock in Rock The Schools in standing up for parents and students. Hear Rock The Schools Executive Producer, Monique Linder take you through a wrap up of brilliant soundbites from the most listened to episodes. Thank you to the education experts that took the time to share their knowledge and guidance on how to navigate an extremely complicated education system in America. There is no magic solution to solving the education crisis in America. "RTS Season Two," under development will continue under that same belief and commitment to our youth. Thank you for listening to Rock The Schools.

Rock The Schools with Citizen Stewart Celebrates 100 Episodes With Special Guest Shavar Jeffries And A Special Announcement From Host Chris Stewart That A New Show Is In Formation. Special guest Shavar Jeffries, National President of Democrats For Education Reform openly discussed education reform principles, equity and accountability. Mr. Jeffries is quoted as saying “there is much work to do and there is no silver bullet”. http://omgdigitalmediasolutions.com/for-immediate-release-rock-the-schools-with-citizen-stewart-celebrates-100-episodes-with-special-guest-shavar-jeffries-and-a-special-announcement-from-host-chris-stewart-that-a-new-show-is-in-formati/

Rock The Schools continues to celebrate its upcoming 100th show by airing some of our most listened to shows. A special 100th episode will be aired with a special guest coming soon! We would like to take a special moment to honor all of our special guests who took time out of their busy schedule to empower our parents and students. Please continue to share Rock The Schools with your network of parents and students. More information can be found at: http://citizen.education There are 74 million children under the age of 18 in the United States. And the unfortunate reality is that for many of these children, the public education system is broken.

Rock The Schools continues to celebrate its upcoming 100th show by airing some of our most listened to shows. A special 100th episode will be aired with a special guest coming soon! We would like to take a special moment to honor all of our special guests who took time out of their busy schedule to empower our parents and students. Please continue to share Rock The Schools with your network of parents and students. More information can be found at: http://citizen.education Author of “At The Dark End Of The Street” Danielle McGuire, and Producer of “The Rape of Recy Taylor” Beth Hubbard, provide a powerful history lesson in honor of Black History month by recognizing the rich history in untold stories that bring forth truth. The Recy Taylor story is a critical piece of Black history about Rosa Parks, ten years prior to the Montgomery bus boycott.

Rock The Schools continues to celebrate its upcoming 100th show by airing some of our most listened to shows. A special 100th episode will be aired with a special guest coming soon! We would like to take a special moment to honor all of our special guests who took time out of their busy schedule to empower our parents and students. Please continue to share Rock The Schools with your network of parents and students. More information can be found at: http://citizen.education Host of Rock The Schools Chris Stewart talks with Students First Founder, Michelle Rhee about how an excellent education shapes a child’s future and how she impacts the lives of marginalized students.

Rock The Schools continues to celebrate its upcoming 100th show by airing some of our most listened to shows. A special 100th episode will be aired with a special guest coming soon! We would like to take a special moment to honor all of our special guests who took time out of their busy schedule to empower our parents and students. Please continue to share Rock The Schools with your network of parents and students. More information can be found at: http://citizen.education Host of Rock The Schools, Chris Stewart discusses Sheila E.’s love for youth and how her charity, Elevate Hope, provides hope and love by using music to engage students in their education.

Rock The Schools continues to celebrate its upcoming 100th show by airing some of our most listened to shows. A special 100th episode will be aired with a special guest coming soon! We would like to take a special moment to honor all of our special guests who took time out of their busy schedule to empower our parents and students. Please continue to share Rock The Schools with your network of parents and students. More information can be found at: http://citizen.education This special episode of Rock The Schools with Dr. Bernice A. King pays tribute to her mother, Mrs. Coretta Scott King, in honor of women’s history month. Her recently published memoir “My Life, My Love, My Legacy is inspirational for girls, encouraging for women and men to get a glimpse of the challenges their female counterparts face daily.

Rock The Schools continues to celebrate its upcoming 100th show by airing some of our most listened to shows. A special 100th episode will be aired with a special guest coming soon! We would like to take a special moment to honor all of our special guests who took time out of their busy schedule to empower our parents and students. Please continue to share Rock The Schools with your network of parents and students. More information can be found at: http://citizen.education Rock The Schools host Chris Stewart honors Prince’s legacy with a deep discussion with special guest jazz saxophonist Walter Chancellor, Jr., about advocating for music education in schools. Not long after his arrival in Minneapolis, Walter performed and recorded with Prince, earning a platinum record for his participation on Prince’s “Emancipation” CD.

Rock The Schools continues to celebrate its upcoming 100th show by airing some of our most listened to shows. A special 100th episode will be aired with a special guest coming soon! We would like to take a special moment to honor all of our special guests who took time out of their busy schedule to empower our parents and students. Please continue to share Rock The Schools with your network of parents and students and like us on FB at Rock The School news. More information can be found at: http://citizen.education Chris Stewart speaks to Valeria Silva, who recently exited the job of Superintendent of the largest school district in the State of Minnesota, about her equity work and her belief that Education is a mindset of seeing potential in the eyes of every child and the belief that children look to their teacher to make a difference in their lives. Guest Bio: http://citizenstewart.org/podcast/episode-69-valeria-silva/

Rock The Schools continues to celebrate its upcoming 100th show by airing some of our most listened to shows. A special 100th episode will be aired with a special guest coming soon! We would like to take a special moment to honor all of our special guests who took time out of their busy schedule to empower our parents and students. Please continue to share Rock The Schools with your network of parents and students and like us on FB at Rock The School news. More information can be found at: http://citizen.education The Terror attack in Orlando, FL ignited Beth to explain how school policies that promote neutrality perpetuate intolerance. See Beth’s article “A Place of Solidarity and Empowerment http://bethhawkins.org/2016/06/a-place-of-solidarity-and-empowerment/

Rock The Schools is celebrating its 100th show all week by airing the top seven most listened to shows. Monday, June 26, a special 100th episode will be aired with a special guests. We would like to take a special moment to honor all of our special guests who took time out of their busy schedule to empower our parents and students. Please continue to share Rock The Schools with your network of parents and students and like us on FB at Rock The School news. More information can be found at: http://citizen.education Chris Stewarts interviews Rashad Turner about why he decided to leave Black Lives Matter Saint Paul. He made the decision based on not compromising his integrity around his Education Reform activism. He was extremely disappointed that the NAACP and BLM called for a moratorium new charters when he sees how these schools benefit students of color in his community of Saint Paul, Minnesota.

Rock The Schools is celebrating its 100th show all week by airing the top seven most listened to shows. Monday, June 26, a special 100th episode will be aired with a special guests. We would like to take a special moment to honor all of our special guests who took time out of their busy schedule to empower our parents and students. Please continue to share Rock The Schools with your network of parents and students and like us on FB at Rock The School news. More information can be found at: http://citizen.education National Education writer Pete Cook wrote an article that describes the how the power of school boards divides white folks, the "pro-charter reform" and the "anti-charter reform” are warring. The fight between the two sides has gotten nasty. Education consultant, Will Pinkston uses his power as a Nashville school board member to launch egregious warfare for pro-charter education reformist. Will Pinkston is a Nashville school board member consisting of members who have taken a side against charter schools. Host Chris Stewart tells the story about John Little and how he dealt with a Will Pinkston attack. Pete and Chris discuss the results of the fighting . . . African-American students are negatively affected by not giving parents options that ensure their child is getting a great education.

Rock The Schools is celebrating its 100th show all week by airing the top seven most listened to shows. Monday, June 26, a special 100th episode will be aired with a special guests. We would like to take a special moment to honor all of our special guests who took time out of their busy schedule to empower our parents and students. Please continue to share Rock The Schools with your network of parents and students and like us on FB at Rock The School news. More information can be found at: http://citizen.education Rock The Schools host Chris Stewart engages Arne Duncan, former Secretary of the U.S. Department of Education, in a conversation about the importance of valuing every child and seeing all children as assets.

Rock The Schools is celebrating all week with airing its most listened to shows. Monday, June 26, will feature a special 100th episode. Rock the Schools thanks and honors all of our special guests who believed in the Rock The Schools mission to empower parents and students. More information can be found at: http://citizen.education Since her appointment as Commissioner of Education in 2010, Dr. Brenda Cassellius has endeavored to enact comprehensive education reform that will benefit every child throughout Minnesota. Her straightforward, community-driven approach toward providing the best education possible has resulted in a remarkable list of accomplishments. Under her leadership, the Minnesota Department of Education applied for and received a waiver from the federal No Child Left Behind (NCLB) law, allowing for a better, fairer, more accurate and supportive accountability system. MDE was awarded a $45 million Race to the Top – Early Learning Challenge grant to further develop and strengthen early education efforts. The department was also awarded a $28.2 Federal Public Charter Schools grant to design and implement high-quality charter schools. A respected educator throughout her profession and across partisan lines, Commissioner Cassellius was critical in passing new alternative licensure; principal and teacher evaluation laws; as well as increased funding for PK-12 education; legislation ensuring a sharp, statewide focus on every child reading well by 3rd grade; and expanded access to quality early childhood education. Her reputation as an innovative problem solver can be seen within MDE where Dr. Cassellius has worked with employees to examine every aspect of department operations to ensure the state is providing the best service possible for Minnesota families, educators and students.

Rock The Schools will be celebrating all week with airing its most listened to shows. Monday, June 26, will feature a special 100th episode. Rock the Schools thanks and honors all of our special guests who believed in the Rock The Schools mission to empower parents and students. Please continue to share Rock The Schools with your network of parents and students and like us on FB at Rock The School News. More information can be found at: http://citizen.education In an unscripted, raw and authentic conversation with civil rights icon Dick Gregory, host of Rock The School Chris Stewart, uncovers thoughtful and valuable historical events that have shaped this country. In the words of Dick Gregory, his truth, as extreme as it may sound, can be easily be researched online. Fast forward to today, his truth told through the decades is being played out in the lives of African Americans today. You are invited to use the hashtag #RTSDickGregory to share your thoughts and comments.

Best of Rock The Schools - Episode 92 - Shelby J Share on Facebook twitter Google+ Rock The Schools will be celebrating all week with airing its most listened to shows. Monday, June 26, will feature a special 100th episode. Rock the Schools thanks and honors all of our special guests who believed in the Rock The Schools mission to empower parents and students. Please continue to share Rock The Schools with your network of parents and students and like us on FB at Rock The School News. More information can be found at: http://citizen.education Van Jones, hosting Rock The Schools episode 74 with Dr. Michael L. Lomax, UNCF President/CEO, covering the historical importance of HBCUs by telling his families' experience from his father’s journey that started with entering the military, followed by acceptance to a Historically Black College and University that shaped the value placed on education in his family. The education discussion with Dr. Lomax covers how UNCF provides resources to parents and students that help them navigate racial disparities, reduces high-school and college drop-out rates and provides financial support for students of color. Van Jones and Dr. Lomax talk about how a recent report titled “Building Better Narratives in Black Education” serves as a solution and action plan for empowering parents and students to take control of their education narrative. This report was published in collaboration with UNCF, National Urban League and Education Post. Download here: https://www.uncf.org/blog/entry/uncf-national-urban-league-education-post-release-building-better-narrative

Rock The Schools will be celebrating all week with airing its most listened to shows. Monday, June 26, will feature a special 100th episode. Rock the Schools thanks and honors all of our special guests who believed in the Rock The Schools mission to empower parents and students. Please continue to share Rock The Schools with your network of parents and students and like us on FB at Rock The School News. More information can be found at: http://citizen.education RTS Episode 92 | Shelby J.’s highly anticipated solo album was released on April 21st in honor of Prince, who made her promise to finish the album. It is a tribute to the education she received from her friend and mentor, the purple Yoda himself, Prince. Today’s segment focuses on Shelby J. and how Prince inspired and challenged her to be the best.

Ujamaa’s Education Director Corey, Stewart will discuss the importance of education in transforming lives of Ujamaa men during the transition period out of Minnesota’s criminal justice system into society. Paul Laumer, Ujamaa’s Mentoring Coordinator will join the conversation to tell his story of how his life was transformed after joining Ujamaa Place. Ujamaa, a Swahili word meaning “Brotherhood” or “Extended Family” is the main ingredient in its success model layered with programs that transforms the lives of men primarily aged 17­‐29 (Wilder Research). More information can be found at: www.ujamaa.org

Northside Achievement Zone’s Executive Director, Sondra Samuels discusses the importance of education in its model as a continuum of community services provider with Rock The Schools Executive Producer / Co-Host, Monique Linder

Host of Rock The Schools, Chris Stewart engages Dr. Kalam Id-Din in a discussion on facing the truth about education integration and our nation’s history of education homogenization, a term made famous in the 1940s by C.S. Lewis, most notably known for creating The Chronicles of Narnia. The term education homogenization was written about in his satirical book The Screwtape Letters, where C.S. Lewis creates a worldly wise old devil as the main character, who writes letters to his novice demon nephew Wormwood, charged with securing the damnation of an ordinary young man. Recently, Dr. Rafiq R. Kalam Id-Din wrote an article about integration in Education Week that has a chilling resemblance to the education homogenization narrative. Education Week May 4, 2017 "Black Teachers Matter. School Integration Doesn’t” by Rafiq R. Kalam Id-Din II is available at: http://www.edweek.org/ew/articles/2017/05/04/black-teachers-matter-school-integration-doesnt.html

Rock The Schools host, Chris Stewart talks to hip-hop artist and educator Chadwick “Niles” Phillips about how education changed his life and his quest to help and support youth in recognizing their talent. Chadwick’s challenging youth growing up in Michigan was filled with trauma and at the same time, filled with support that enabled him to dream and pursue a better future. He found a path by excelling in school, which led to an opportunity to go to college. Today, Chadwick is focused on education activism and helping youth pursue their dreams, instead of the pressure to conform to an education system that inadequately prepares students for academic success and oftentimes suppresses their individual creative and intellectual gifts. Join the conversation on Facebook at Rock The Schools News. #SayNoToEducationHomogenization"

Chris Stewart, host of Rock The Schools is doing a progress check-in with parent led organization Parent Advocators, whose last RTS show was in December 2015 (Episode 27). We caught up with Dana Wade and Latoya Douglas of Parent Advocators after their trip to Memphis, TN meeting to attend a community organizers’ group meeting on education.

Chris Stewart visits Minneapolis North High School to talk to four students about their academic success. Hear Taryn and Taylor tell their stories of a unique coding sisterhood (Girls Who Code) and twin scholars Allie (valedictorian) and Alex (salutatorian) talk about their path to academic excellence. Please consider supporting Girls Who Code at Minneapolis North High School by mailing donations to North Community High School at: 1555 James Ave. N. or by calling 612.688.1700. Girls Who Code's Director, Mr. Thomas Waltower discusses the challenges he faced in getting the girls coding program launched. Subscribe to Rock The Schools on iTunes and under podcast at citizen.education.

Hear Chris Stewart, host of Rock The Schools and Dr. Heilig passionately agree and disagree on school choice issues. This episode of Rock The Schools is a powerful resource for parents, students and educators to advocate for education reform that provides a great education for all students.

Shelby J.’s highly anticipated solo album was released on April 21st in honor of Prince, who made her promise to finish the album. It is a tribute to the education she received from her friend and mentor, the purple Yoda himself, Prince. Today’s segment focuses on Shelby J. and how Prince inspired and challenged her to be the best.

In 2011, Jeffrey Hassan, Executive Director of the African American Leadership Forum, published an education reported titled “Crisis in Our Community” describing best practices in K-12 Education for African American children in the Twin Cities, with a rating of the top 10 schools in elementary, middle and high school for African American children, based upon proficiency and growth. Hear Mr. Hassan give an update on the goal of closing the five education gaps outlined in the report and what AALF is doing to address the education crisis in the Twin Cities. Go to: http://aalftc.org to learn more.

A passion for the state of the US education system, and the looming problem of fundamental mathematical mastery for a large percentage of K-12 and post-secondary students is what drives Dr. Trina Coleman. Hear Dr. Coleman articulate why math literacy must be the focus to equip more students to become the new technologic and scientific workforce that is currently in short supply of African-American employees, as well as, other racial groups. What is happening to gifted students in schools? Discover real solutions to help close the race/gender gap is Dr. Coleman’s goal. For more information, go to: https://www.academicblueblood.com

This special episode of Rock The Schools with Dr. Bernice A. King pays tribute to her mother, Mrs. Coretta Scott King, in honor of women’s history month. Her recently published memoir “My Life, My Love, My Legacy is inspirational for girls, encouraging for women and men to get a glimpse of the challenges their female counterparts face daily.

Congratulations to the students of Sidney Lanier High School in Montgomery, Alabama for earning the “Spirit of Rosa Parks Innovation Award” and taking ownership of their education achievement journey. Hear the story of how these students are determined to succeed and what they feel adults can do more of to encourage and support them. For more information, go to: http://www.lanier.mps-al.org

Kenneth Eban from Students for Ed Reform discusses helping students navigate a complicated education system, where a great education should stop at the intersection. The path is laden with sexual abuse, mind control, police resource officers, violence, drug/opiate epidemic and homelessness. More activism is needed from the community to remove all land mines that stand in the way of a great education, a human right for all children. More information at: https://www.studentsforedreform.org

Special guest Alma Marquez, founder of the Del Sol Group talks to host Chris Stewart about the fear of being picked up by ICE that undocumented immigrants are facing. Families are living with incredible fear and stress. We are living in a time that no one imagined would happen. Go to: http://lacomadre.org/ to get involved in activism for families dealing with all types of issues that happen as a result of ICE raids. Share this link for to learn more about immigration law: http://www.immigration.com/

Dr. Cheryl Brown Henderson, the daughter of the late Rev. Oliver L. Brown, who in the Fall of 1950 along with twelve other parents, led by attorneys for the NAACP, filed suit on behalf of their children again the local Board of Education in Topeka, Kansas. Their case joined with cases from Delaware, South Carolina, Virginia and Washington, D.C. on appeal to the US Supreme Court became known as the landmark decision on May 17, 1954, making separate public schools for black and white students unconstitutional. Dr. Cheryl Brown Henderson shares her historical perspective from the eyes of an eighth grader and its timing and significance to the civil rights movement in the Jim Crow south. Chris Stewart followed up with a powerful article relating the landmark decision to today’s school reform debate at: http://citizen.education/index.php/2017/02/02/making-sense-of-brown-v-board-in-light-of-todays-struggles-over-school-reform/

Nancy Buirski’s most recent films, The Loving Story and The Rape of Recy Taylor educates the public about important historical events that shaped Black history. Rock The Schools executive producer, Monique Linder filling in for host Chris Stewart, talks to Ms. Buirski about how these stories are rooted deeply into education and why they must be told.

#YesWeCode’s National Director, Felix Flores discussing how inspiring youth innovation supports education beyond the classroom. #YesWeCode is a Dream Corps initiative that works with partners to help connect 100,000 underrepresented minorities to careers in technology.

Author of “At The Dark End Of The Street” Danielle McGuire, and Producer of “The Rape of Recy Taylor” Beth Hubbard, provide a powerful history lesson in honor of Black History month by recognizing the rich history in untold stories that bring forth truth. The Recy Taylor story is a critical piece of Black history about Rosa Parks, ten years prior to the Montgomery bus boycott. Links: http://atthedarkendofthestreet.com http://www.syldi.org/events/2017/3/4/the-recy-taylor-story https://www.buzzfeed.com/briannasacks/uc-santa-cruz-lawsuit-settlement?utm_term=.bgNBmJw4d#.gtVy061rg

"Eradicating child sexual abuse comes person-­‐by-­‐person, family by family. The smaller family units in our communities are assisted by the larger ones in the schools and parishes. Awareness, education and action result in prevention, and unified efforts lighten burdens as they are shared" ~Dr. Paul Ashton Find more on this story at the links below: http://www.jenniferalvaro.com http://www.nbcwashington.com/investigations/Teacher-Sexually-Assaulted-Student-Maryland-After-Prior-Guilty-Plea-Virginia-397830541.html?_osource=SocialFlowFB_DCBrand

In the first episode of 2017, founder of Southern Youth Leadership Development Institute (SYLDI) and civil rights icon, Doris Crenshaw, delivering a powerful message to parents and students on how to proactively create change in education policy. Mrs. Doris Crenshaw was mentored by Rosa Parks and teaches youth how to own their journey at Southern Youth Leadership Development Institute (SYLDI). Video about SYLDI at: https://youtu.be/6K1LW82Hhqs

The late Rev. Oliver L. Brown who in the Fall of 1950 along with 12 other parents, led by attorneys for the NAACP, filed suit on behalf of their children against the local Board of Education. Their case joined with cases from Delaware, South Carolina, Virginia and Washington, D.C. on appeal to the US Supreme Court and on May 17, 1954, became known as the landmark decision; Brown v. the Board of Education of Topeka, Kansas. This case was legally name for Oliver Brown, as Oliver L. Brown et al. vs. the Board of Education of Topeka, KS.

The late Rev. Oliver L. Brown who in the Fall of 1950 along with 12 other parents, led by attorneys for the NAACP, filed suit on behalf of their children against the local Board of Education. Their case joined with cases from Delaware, South Carolina, Virginia and Washington, D.C. on appeal to the US Supreme Court and on May 17, 1954, became known as the landmark decision; Brown v. the Board of Education of Topeka, Kansas. This case was legally name for Oliver Brown, as Oliver L. Brown et al. vs. the Board of Education of Topeka, KS.

The late Rev. Oliver L. Brown who in the Fall of 1950 along with 12 other parents, led by attorneys for the NAACP, filed suit on behalf of their children against the local Board of Education. Their case joined with cases from Delaware, South Carolina, Virginia and Washington, D.C. on appeal to the US Supreme Court and on May 17, 1954, became known as the landmark decision; Brown v. the Board of Education of Topeka, Kansas. This case was legally name for Oliver Brown, as Oliver L. Brown et al. vs. the Board of Education of Topeka, KS. Related content at: citizenstewart.org

Rock The Schools had the opportunity to take the show to Access Minnesota’s public affairs programming airing on 50 radio stations throughout Minnesota. Click here for schedule: http://www.accessminnesotaonline.com/schedule/ It is our goal to continue to educate the public on critical issues that matter to students, parents and educators. In Minnesota: 1) 62% of African Americans graduate from high school in Minnesota compared to 87% of white students. 2)This disparity continues in higher education: Only 45% of African American students graduate from college in the state. This week, a discussion on how to better prepare students of color for college and ways Minnesota can help close one of the nation’s largest achievement gaps. Guests: Terry Henry, Executive Director for the Department of Career and College Readiness, Minneapolis Public Schools; Chris Stewart, Host of Rock the Schools with Citizen Stewart and Director of External Affairs, Education Post; Nekima Levy-Pounds, Civil Rights Attorney and former President, MPLS NAACP Part 1 – 13:11Terry Henry discusses the United Negro College Fund’s Empower Me Tour and opportunities for Minnesota’s African American high schoolers. More information on the Empower Me Tour: http://empowermetour.org/ More information on Minneapolis Public Schools’ Department of College and Career Readiness: http://ccr.mpls.k12.mn.us/ Part 2 – 13:23 Chris Stewart and Nekima Levy-Pounds discuss the root causes of the achievement gap and why large disparities persist today in Minnesota schools. “Nationally, no one has become experts at educating black children,” Stewart says, “but specifically, Minnesota has a long way to go.” Levy-Pounds points to a lack of the number of teachers of color, a tendency to blame poverty for achievement gaps and a resistance from school officials when it comes to listening to the voices of parents from communities of color.

In another great best of episode of Rock The Schools host Chris Stewart engages Arne Duncan, former Secretary of the U.S. Department of Education, in a conversation about the importance of valuing every child and seeing all children as assets. Chris Stewart will return next week with more great guests discussing ways to achieve success in educating students of colors.

What Would Jesus do? This episode is about leaning on faith and serving the poor with special guests: Dr. Charles Morgan, CEO of Union Gospel Mission and Minneapolis Candidate for Mayor, Reverend Dr. Nekima Levy-Pounds. Chris Stewart and the Rock The Schools production team wishes everyone a happy and safe Thanksgiving holiday. We will return next week with more great guests discussing ways to achieve success in educating students of colors.

Tomorrow, Minneapolis voters will have the opportunity to cast their vote for 8 Minneapolis school board candidates running for four seats. All candidates were invited to share their voice with Rock The Schools parents, students and educators. Dr. Tracine Asberry showed up for a 30-minute conversation with host, Chris Stewart.

Meet Shed G, as one of the hottest and blessed entertainers to hail from Denver Colorado, Shedrick Garrett (Shed G) is a well renowned comedian, actor and radio personality known for his clean faith based comedy. Shed G brings a style of comedy that universally captivates audiences of all ages and races. In 2000, Shed G gained momentum by taking his talents to Atlanta where he earned his credits on the big screen. He worked alongside Tyler Perry in hit movies like Madea's Family Reunion, A Madea's Christmas and Meet the Browns. Shortly thereafter he was featured on hit TV shows like House Of Payne, Meet The Browns and The Rickey Smiley TV Show. Shed G’s comedic genius will engage listeners in thought-provoking conversation about how we can transform the lives of youth with guidance and mentoring.

Van Jones, hosting Rock The Schools episode 74 with Dr. Michael L. Lomax, UNCF President/CEO, covering the historical importance of HBCUs by telling his families' experience from his father’s journey that started with entering the military, followed by acceptance to a Historically Black College and University that shaped the value placed on education in his family. The education discussion with Dr. Lomax covers how UNCF provides resources to parents and students that help them navigate racial disparities, reduces high-school and college drop-out rates and provides financial support for students of color. Van Jones and Dr. Lomax talk about how a recent report titled “Building Better Narratives in Black Education” serves as a solution and action plan for empowering parents and students to take control of their education narrative. This report was published in collaboration with UNCF, National Urban League and Education Post. Download here: https://www.uncf.org/blog/entry/uncf-national-urban-league-education-post-release-building-better-narrative

Monique Linder, Executive Producer of Rock the Schools filling in for Chris Stewart on assignment, talks to college student Shanell McCoy about her perspective on what students need from parents, teachers and mentors to help them chart their path to growing and living out their dreams using her personal experience. Hear Shanell sing “Amazing Grace” at the end of the podcast to further illustrate how important it is to encourage, uplift and support youth innovation, talent and dreams.

Host of Rock The Schools, Chris Stewart discusses Sheila E.’s love for youth and how her charity, Elevate Hope, provides hope and love by using music to engage students in their education.

In this special segment of Rock The Schools, producer Monique Linder discusses the impact of the Empower Me Tour with President/CEO of UNCF, Dr. Michael L. Lomax. Find out more information at EmpowerMeTour.org

Chris Stewarts interviews Rashad Turner about why he decided to leave Black Lives Matter Saint Paul. He made the decision based on not compromising his integrity around his Education Reform activism. He was extremely disappointed that the NAACP and BLM called for a moratorium new charters when he sees how these schools benefit students of color in his community of Saint Paul, Minnesota.

Chris Stewart speaks to Valeria Silva, who recently exited the job of Superintendent of the largest school district in the State of Minnesota, about her equity work and her belief that Education is a mindset of seeing potential in the eyes of every child and the belief that children look to their teacher to make a difference in their lives. Guest Bio: http://citizenstewart.org/podcast/episode-69-valeria-silva/