All the Things—PNW Equity Institute

Erin travels to Washington D.C. to celebrate her former student, Brooke Brown, being named the 2021 Washington State teacher of the year. This week’s episode discusses how and why Washington D.C., a predominantly Black community, is underrepresented and underserved by the government. They talk disparities in education, and the privileges afforded to non-black students versus the structural barriers that burden black communities and families, even though they represent the majority of D.C. citizens.

Milagros Thompson, a black female in-school counselor, joins the circle this week to share her observations on the declining mental health of her black and brown students—even more so in-person than online. Fernell discusses why online school offered a safer and more accommodating space for many marginalized students, and the pitfalls of expecting students of color to conform to white supremacy culture. Dr. J  brings in the history of social work and the support systems that were inspired by communities of color. Erin tells the story of a negative interaction between a principal and a black student, and why adults need to earn the respect of their black students, not demand it.

Today’s episode starts with a story from a school district in Newberg, Oregon, where the school board banned displays of flags in classrooms, including the Black Lives Matter flag and all Pride flags. Our hosts discuss the hope represented by these flags and the reason why students need them to feel seen. Drawing on their own experiences, Dr. J opens up about the bigotry they faced as a D1 athlete. Fernell explains how she was alienated by her teachers and leveraged athletics to build trust within her racially isolating community. Erin reflects upon her childhood abroad, the culture shock of coming to the U.S., and the reason why she chooses to stay, in spite of it all.

Today on ATT—PNW, we’re talking about how black/brown/LGBTQIA folks move through the world, and the territoriality enforced by white supremacy. Dr. J talks about their weekend surrounded by whiteness, Erin tells the story of why she and her husband are consistently harassed by airport security (even though they are both experienced travelers), and Fernell explains how she follows in her father’s footsteps and protects herself by establishing herself as a community fixture.

As America's youth heads back to school in-person, many white parents and teachers are relieved at the idea of life returning to normal, despite a worsening pandemic and a nationwide racial reckoning. Meanwhile, Black and Brown folks wonder if the systemic changes promised by educators and administrators across the country will be fulfilled, or if they were empty to begin with. Today, our hosts are joined by Bonita Lee, a Black educator and community leader, to discuss how to best guide students towards racial healing, rather than try to hide the truth about our history.

Today's episode features The Root of Our Youth, a coalition of middle school through college students who work to achieve racial equity and radical structural reform in education. They gather together, in-person for the first time, and share their experiences working with legislators, doing community outreach, and educating educators. They demonstrate the value of celebrating each other's successes and humanizing each other as black/brown/LGBTQIA+ individuals, in order to heal our communities.