Massachusetts

Importance of Educators of Color for Black and Brown Students

This month, my organization, the National Alliance of Public Charter Schools released its highly-anticipated report, “Identity and Charter School Leadership: Profiles of Leaders of Color Building an Effective Staff” which examined the ways that school leaders of color’s experiences and perspectives influence how they build school culture, parent and community relationships, and effective staff.

Our History Matters: The Untold Stories of African American ‘Hidden Figures’

Marshall Walter “Major” Taylor was born in Indianapolis, Indiana in 1878. Major Taylor participated in his first bike race as a teenager. Shortly after, he moved to Worcester, Massachusetts to become a professional cyclist. Throughout his career, he received several world records from competing in races around the world but that didn’t stop the racist fans from throwing things at him and competitors trying to bump him off the track during his races. One competitor by the name of W.E. Becker choked Taylor until the police separated the two.

North Carolina Honors Former Slave Who Bought His Freedom

The state approved a historical marker for Lane, the sixth sign in Raleigh to honor a former slave. Sometime in June, said Ansley Wegner of the N.C. Highway Historical Marker Program, the man born property of Sherwood Haywood will be recognized on Edenton Street, just across the street from the Capitol where he sold pipes for 10 cents each.

Democrats Focus on Voting Rights Ahead of 2020 Primary

Multiple potential contenders for the Democratic presidential nomination are elevating the issue of voting rights as they prepare to launch campaigns. They’re vowing to oppose Republican-backed efforts to require identification to vote, reinstate protections eliminated by a 2013 Supreme Court ruling and frequently highlight the necessity of counting every vote.

After midterms, Democratic Hopefuls Eye Early-Voting States

Democrats pondering 2020 presidential bids in the aftermath of the midterm elections are pivoting from campaigning for other candidates across the country to refocusing on their own efforts, including moves in early-voting states like South Carolina.

Harris at Spelman College: “Go forward unburdened, unwavering, and undaunted by the fight”

This past week, U.S. Senator Kamala D. Harris delivered remarks at Spelman College, America’s oldest private, historically Black liberal arts college for women, as part of the school’s annual Homecoming weekend. Speaking to students from Spelman College and the Atlanta University Center, Harris emphasized the urgency of the current political moment, highlighted the importance of young women of color taking on leadership roles, and drew from her own experiences to suggest how young women can remain undaunted by the challenges ahead. 

2018 National Essay Contest on the Film “DROP” for Youth,  Ages 12-18 years Cash Prizes for Winners!

The DROP Essay Contest is part of the annual 2018 Week of Positive Change, Non-Violence and Opportunities, October 13-21, 2018. In a joint statement, BW4PC National co-chairs Dr. Stephanie Myers and Daun S. Hester stated, “We must convince youth that dropping out of school is a pipeline to prison and violence. They must stay in school and earn their high school diploma or GED to prepare for success.”

Breaking the Gubernatorial Glass Ceiling

In the 240-year history of the United States, four African American men have presided as the chief executive of a state or commonwealth. Only two were elected in their own right – Deval Patrick of Massachusetts, in 2006, and Douglas Wilder of Virginia, in 1989. David Paterson of New York was elevated to the office upon the resignation of Eliot Spitzer in 2008

Warren: Criminal justice System ‘Racist’…’Front to Back’

While speaking at a historically black college, the Massachusetts senator identified some of the system’s failures: disproportionate arrests of African Americans for petty drug possession; an overloaded public defender system; and state laws that keep convicted felons from voting even after their sentences are complete.