Black students are facing harsher disciplinary measures than their White peers, contributing to long-term psychological and academic setbacks, and systemic reforms are necessary to create a safe and supportive learning environment for Black children.
Education
A space for local and national stories about issues surrounding education, especially as they relate to African Americans.
Posted inEducation
Helping the traumatized grow past survival mode
Samuel Simmons, a leading voice in the field of therapy, shares his accidental path to becoming a therapist and his approach to helping Black men overcome trauma and develop compassionate accountability.
Posted inPolitics
Schools, Colleges Face Threats of Being Defunded
The U.S. Department of Education has issued a directive requiring schools and universities to eliminate diversity initiatives or risk losing federal funding, sparking a legal battle on the horizon.
Posted inBlack History
Black Excellence in STEM: Celebrating Innovators and Trailblazers
Black excellence is deeply rooted in every sector, including STEM, where Black innovators have made groundbreaking contributions despite systemic barriers, inspiring the next generation.
Posted inEducation
Data in Danger: Why Civil Rights Reporting in Schools Matters
The Civil Rights Data Collection (CRDC) is a critical tool in the fight for equity in American schools, tracking disparities in educational access, and advocates fear that it could be next in line for dismantling under a new administration.
Posted inEducation
7 Tech Resources for Minnesotans Looking to Break Into the Industry
Minnesota offers various programs, including First Lego League, Takoda Institute, BDPA Twin Cities, Smart North, CrunchLabs, Google Certificates, and Minnesota STEM Partnership, to help individuals gain hands-on experience in tech and STEM fields.
Posted inEducation
Cultural identity, not racialization, can free our children
Professor Mahmoud El-Kati of the Cultural Wellness Center has developed teachings to deconstruct the myth of race and form a new definition of self, with a focus on psychology, as exemplified by Minkara Tezet’s journey of self-discovery and empowerment.
Posted inEducation
Teaching the teachers
Timothy Berry, a lifelong Minnesotan, is helping prepare future school principals and district superintendents, while also celebrating Black culture through his talents in music and the arts, and using both roles to remember and build on those who came before us in the effort to move ourselves forward.
Posted inEducation
Toward an education that explores our cultural heritage
The Cultural Wellness Center in Minneapolis is working to redefine freedom for African Americans by shifting the focus from equal rights to self-study, acknowledging history, and honoring culture, and Julia Berry is a key part of this effort.
Posted inEducation
Black Educators Are Reclaiming Education on TikTok with ‘HillmanTok University’
TikTok has become a hub for free, accessible education led by Black scholars and professionals, with HillmanTok University offering college-level courses at no cost, including African American history, financial literacy, mental health, and business strategies.
Posted inEducation
Advocates say micro-schools could boost Black students’ success
The National Association of Black Microschool Leaders (NABML), founded by Nicole Stewart-Jones, aims to empower Black educators and leaders within the micro-school movement, offering innovative and personalized learning environments for Black students.
Posted inEducation
Elder continues higher ed advocacy
JoAnn Clark has dedicated over 35 years to supporting youth’s education through founding the Thinking College Early Fair and the Progressive Baptist Church HBCU Tour, raising over $1 million in scholarship funds and inspiring young people to access higher education opportunities.
Posted inArts + Culture
The Black barbershop as cultural hub
Local author Keenan Jones has released his debut children’s book, “Saturday Morning at the ‘Shop”, which celebrates the importance of Black culture and the role of barbershops as community hubs.
Posted inEducation
Minnesota Supreme Court dismisses lawsuit challenging policy to protect teachers of color in Minneapolis
The Minnesota Supreme Court has dismissed a lawsuit challenging Minneapolis Public Schools’ policy to protect minority teachers, ruling that the plaintiff did not have legal standing to challenge how the district uses taxpayer funds.
Posted inEducation
20 inspirational quotes to start Black students strong in 2025
Inspiring quotes from educators and leaders that aim to uplift and empower Black students as they return to school in 2025, emphasizing the importance of education, identity, and pride.
Posted inEducation
5 Innovative Programs Supporting Students’ Mental Wellness
The Jed Foundation, Black Emotional and Mental Health Collective, Black Girls Smile, AAKOMA Project, and The Trevor Project are nonprofit organizations working to provide support and emotional tools to young people dealing with mental health issues.
Posted inEducation
Students who are also parents get higher ed help
The Jeremiah Program has been awarded a $1.7 million grant from the Minnesota Office of Higher Education to support Black student parents in their pursuit of education and economic stability, with the goal of breaking the cycle of poverty and building generational wealth.
Posted inEducation
Five Education Moments That Impacted Black Students in 2024
The year 2024 saw significant moments in the quest for educational equity for Black students, including the 70th anniversary of Brown v. Board of Education, the passing of laws restricting the teaching of AP African American Studies, persistent disparities in school discipline, racist text messages sent to Black students, and the nomination of Linda McMahon as Secretary of Education.
Posted inEducation
Justice Page school principal honored as NFL ‘Changemaker’
Shannon Tenner, principal of Justice Page Middle School in South Minneapolis, was awarded a $10,000 grant from the Minnesota Vikings as part of the NFL’s Inspire Change Changemakers program for her dedication to education and community empowerment.
Posted inEducation
Principal comes full circle to address educational disparities
Cherise Ayers, Principal of St. Paul Central High School, is working to eliminate educational disparities by providing students with the resources they need to thrive, and advocating for a holistic approach to addressing the challenges faced by marginalized communities.