Valley Queens Cristina Arroyo

Parking seems like an afterthought when it comes to discussing systemic inequities in our towns; however, it's anything but. Parking ordinances and regulations can make or break a downtown, gentrify our spaces, and boost or kill development. In a talk with Tony Jordan, founder and president of the Parking Reform Network, we talk about how parking basically decides who comes and goes in our communities, and how we can use examples of parking reform in other cities to create conscientious and evidence-based regulations to get us to where we want to be.

School desegregation in 1954 nearly rendered the Black teacher extinct. As schools became integrated, Black teachers were either not hired or fired or made to quit due to a toxic workplace culture that perpetuated the racist notion that "White students shouldn't be taught by Black teachers." This legacy and these narratives still persists today. Join Dr. Sheryl Croft, the author of "Living the Legacy of African American Education: A Model for University and School Engagement" for a discussion of what was and what should be so that our students are no longer robbed of our Black teachers.

The New York State Board of Regents has drafted a diversity, equity, and  inclusion call to action. Did they finally acknowledge the oppressive  effects of systemic racism? Did they recognize their role in  perpetuating such? Will they hold schools accountable for inaction and  silence surrounding this topic? Larry Levy (Hofstra), Brandy Scott  (LIBEA), Dafny Irizarry (LILTA), and I discuss if this call to action is  enough.

"Skinfolk are not kinfolk"--Tonight we will be discussing with Maurice  Lacey, one of Valley Stream's own, why having racially diverse  leadership doesn't guarantee equitable outcomes, as white peoples are  not the only perpetuating white supremacy/oppression. We discuss how  socialization and our legacy of oppression has gaslit disenfranchised  groups into believing they are less beautiful, less capable, and less  human. And we will delve into the the false narratives that internalized  racism has taught us: if we play along with the white supremacy game we  will be accepted as equals.

The National PTA has been centering Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, recognizing out changing political and demographic landscape. They made a very resolute position statement: systemic inequities exist and inaction/silence in no longer an option. Anna King, President-Elect, Dr. Sylvia Reyna, DEI Committee Chair, Candy Jo Bracken, DEI Committee Member, and I will be discussing the ways the organization has been exercising advocacy around these issues within and out

Exclusionary zoning on Long Island has historically and systematically excluded BIPOCs, those in lower socioeconomic classes, and even women. What does exclusionary zoning mean? What does a community that practices exclusionary zoning look like? What can we do about it? Should we do something about it?