The first day of preschool or kindergarten is a milestone for both children and parents, a moment filled with excitement, nervous energy, and lots of questions. While families pack backpacks and label water bottles to ensure their children return home with their belongings, early childhood educators quietly wish to share a few heart-to-heart truths with […]
Education
A space for local and national stories about issues surrounding education, especially as they relate to African Americans.
Posted inEducation
Educators and allies unite behind vision for public education
At the CBCF Annual Legislative Conference, educators and advocates called for urgent investment in schools, protection for vulnerable students, and teaching full American history. NEA leaders warned that disinformation, gun violence, and immigration raids are pushing students out of classrooms and urged policymakers to fund education and defend truth.
Posted inEducation
US-Ghana project strengthens grassroots leadership
Through a Mandela Washington Fellowship Reciprocal Exchange, Felix Larbi Appiah and Dr. Artika Tyner led a five-day leadership series in Greater Accra, training 111 participants in values-driven, justice-centered local governance and community engagement.
Posted inEducation
Robbinsdale schools face $21M shortfall
Robbinsdale Area Schools unveiled Reimagine Rdale 2030 to close a $21M shortfall—merging Cooper and Armstrong into one new high school by 2030 and reducing middle and elementary schools. Advocates say consolidation boosts collaboration and stability; critics fear larger classes, fewer arts and sports slots, and weaker student–teacher ties.
Posted inEducation
Children’s bookstore inspires early love for books
Planting People Growing Justice, a Black woman-owned children’s bookstore and publisher inside Gideon Barbershop, is growing literacy and youth leadership in South Minneapolis. Founded by Dr. Artika Tyner, PPGJ centers books that reflect the African Diaspora and offers storytimes, workshops, and author visits to help kids “read to lead.”
Posted inEducation, Let them Rise
Let Them Rise: A blueprint for educating Black boys
MSR launches Let Them Rise, a 10 part blueprint for Black boys education that pairs honest reflection with practical solutions for families, educators, and communities. The series debuts alongside Richard D. Terrell’s new book on Oct. 11.
Posted inEducation
NOURISH is community-driven health innovation in action
NOURISH Mt. Olivet Lab School Minneapolis tackles food insecurity and health disparities with a free food shelf, culturally relevant nutrition education, and community-led wellness programs.
Posted inEducation
Stillwater grad at Cornell overcomes learning challengesÂ
Stillwater grad Xavier Cunningham, diagnosed with dyslexia and ADHD, overcame challenges to excel at Cornell, where he is pursuing marine biology research.
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Dualeh returns to lead Normandale’s Sirtify® program
Normandale appoints Mustafa Dualeh as Sirtify® program coordinator, strengthening efforts to increase Black male representation in education careers.
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Architect imagines spaces that best serve people of color
Architect James Garrett Jr. is using his Bush Fellowship to research sustainable design and create spaces that serve people of color.
Posted inProfiles In Power
Anti-bullying campaign breaks cycles of trauma
CPC 2.0’s Nassir Scroggins is transforming anti-bullying work with a culturally grounded, trauma-informed campaign focused on healing and leadership.
Posted inEducation
“A seat at the table:” Marvis Kilgore aims to empower Black male teachers through community and code
2025 Bush Fellow Marvis Kilgore is launching a series of statewide roundtables focused on increasing the number of Black male teachers in Minnesota. As executive director of Code Savvy, he’s also leading youth STEM mentorship rooted in community connection.
Posted inEducation
Normandale teaching programs redress racial imbalances
Leticia Alvarez became the first graduate of SpedUP, a Normandale program supporting BIPOC special education teachers with tuition, mentoring, and real community.
Posted inEducation
Morning Glory Montessori’s core mission is supporting Black boys
Morning Glory Montessori is a new, all-boy, Black-led Montessori school in south Minneapolis that’s reimagining early childhood education for Black children with faith, justice, and community at its core.
Posted inEducation
Appreciating Black cotillions as acts of resistance
As Juneteenth approaches, Dr. Nikita Harris is preserving the rich legacy of Black cotillions — not just as tradition, but as historic acts of resistance and leadership.
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With Black history under assault, Givens Collection more precious than ever
The Givens Collection of African American Literature and Life marks 40 years with a new exhibit and renewed call to protect and uplift Black cultural memory.
Posted inBooks
Black author Sings raises awareness of bullying
R&B artist and community advocate Chantel Sings has released “Billy Likes to Bully,” a children’s book tackling bullying with cultural relevance and heart.
Posted inEducation
Youth lead conversations on digital wellbeing
Teens led a powerful community conversation on screen time and mental health at a St. Paul event hosted by The Sanneh Foundation and LiveMore ScreenLess.
Posted inEducation
Saint Paul’s new superintendent says Rondo lives on in her soul
Dr. Stacie Stanley, a proud SPPS graduate, returns to lead the district as superintendent, pledging to build equity, boost morale, and invest in students’ futures.
Posted inEducation
Child care providers demand respect — and full funding
At the Minnesota Capitol, child care providers and advocates called for urgent, full funding and respect for early educators serving families statewide.