More than two-thirds of Minnesota public schools are violating state law by failing to provide students and families with required information about the free Post-Secondary Enrollment Options program, according to a new report.
Education Equity
Posted inLet them Rise
Seeing the innocence and leadership in Black boys
Before diving into this column, I want to be clear: this is not a critique of any one school, district, or institution. Rather, it is a broader reflection. A blend of research, observation, and personal experience on the current state of education for Black boys in America. Over the past 15 years in education, I […]
Posted inLet them Rise
Culturally responsive teaching
Let Them Rise: A Blueprint for Educating Black Boys examines how culturally responsive teaching affirms identity, strengthens relationships and improves educational outcomes.
Posted inBlack History
‘Our First Bus Ride’ brings Hale-Field school integration history to life
Black history Minneapolis school integration is explored in a new children’s book recounting the 1971 Hale-Field Elementary bus ride.
Posted inArts + Culture
Black dolls, big impact
Black dolls are often harder to find and more expensive than white dolls, raising concerns about representation, self-esteem, and equity for Black children.
Posted inBlack History
Rooted in history, rising in STEAM
Black Americans remain underrepresented in STEAM fields. These four trailblazers show how representation, access, and mentorship can inspire future innovators.
Posted inEducation
The need for more Black male teachers
Black male teachers are critical to the academic, emotional, and social success of Black boys, yet they remain severely underrepresented in classrooms nationwide.
Posted inOpinion
The Game Plan: Education for Us, by Us
Black education under attack has been a constant in American history, yet Black communities have repeatedly created their own schools and pathways to learning.
Posted inBooks
Children’s Book Launch Revisits Minnesota’s School Integration History Through Young Eyes
The Our First Bus Ride book launch in Minneapolis highlights a true story of school integration through children’s literature and community conversation.
Posted inSpecial Edition - Echoes of Unity
Carrying the dream forward: How Black Men Teach is shaping Minnesota’s classrooms
In the Echoes of Unity Special Edition, Black Men Teach reflects Dr. King’s vision by strengthening representation, belonging, and equity in Minnesota classrooms.
Posted inEvents
General Mills and UNCF Mark 36 Years of Honoring Dr. King Through Education and Service
Minnesota’s Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday Breakfast returns for its 36th year, continuing a tradition of honoring Dr. King through education, service, and community investment.
Posted inEducation
Monkey Sounds, “White Power” and the N-Word: Racial Harassment Against Black Students Ignored Under Trump
A ProPublica investigation finds federal civil rights enforcement has stalled as racial harassment of Black students continues unchecked in U.S. schools.
Posted inLet them Rise
Going back to ‘the village’
Black boys succeed when surrounded by a strong village of care. This column explores why rebuilding community support remains essential to education, healing, and long-term success.
Posted inEducation
Alternative schools offer learners a second chance — and more
Minnesota alternative education programs offer flexible, personalized pathways that help students recover credits, stay engaged, and work toward high school graduation.
Posted inNews
Lessons from a veteran Black math teacher
Why how we teach math matters more than ever explores a teacher’s journey in the classroom and the role of representation, persistence, and instructional approach in closing achievement gaps.
Posted inEducation
Minneapolis schools avoid strike, but staff wages still lag
Minneapolis teachers have voted to ratify a new contract and avert a strike, bringing relief to families worried about classroom disruptions. The agreement includes gains for adult education teachers and modest raises for some education support professionals, but ESPs say pay still lags far behind the cost of living. Educators warn that Black students and Black staff remain concentrated in under resourced roles and schools, and say the contract is only a first step toward real equity.
Posted inLet them Rise
Disabling the ‘school-to-prison pipeline’
Richard D. Terrell breaks down how the school to prison pipeline impacts Black boys and offers real strategies for schools, families and communities to disable the system. His column calls for shifting from punishment to restoration so Black boys can rise.
Posted inLocal & State
Providers say universal pre-k falls short for Minnesota families
Early childhood providers say Minnesota’s universal pre K plan fails to meet the real needs of Black families. Educators argue that culturally affirming childcare starting in infancy would do more to close the racial achievement gap than expanding free pre K for four year olds.
Posted inNews
We are witnessing Jim Crow 2.0
From book bans to museum censorship, attempts to sanitize U.S. history are accelerating. Denise Forte warns that “Jim Crow 2.0” is here—undermining education, truth, and democracy. Here’s why resisting historical erasure matters, and what must happen now.
Posted inOpinion
Lifeline for Black student parents at risk
Last month, Senator Tammy Duckworth and Representative Katherine Clark reintroduced the Child Care Access Means Parents in Schools (CCAMPIS) Reauthorization Act to keep the program running through 2031 and increase its funding to $500 million annually. CCAMPIS is designed to help low-income student parents cover the cost of child care. It can fund on-campus or […]