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.
Education Equity
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.
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 […]
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.
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.”
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.
“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.
In case no one ever told you this, you should be a teacher
With fewer than 50 Black men teaching in Minnesota elementary schools, this personal reflection from St. Paul delivers a stirring message: our boys are being lost in a system that doesn’t see them. The solution starts with more Black men in the classroom.
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.
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.
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.
