The Silk Stocking Sisters

Dr. Theresa J. Canada
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This podcast will share information, stories and experiences both historical and current regarding school integration, desegregation, busing and related topics in the North and Midwestern United States. The podcast is an extension of topics covered in my book Desegregation of The New York City Schools: A Story of The Silk Stocking Sisters.

  1. Changing Attitudes Changes Outcomes: How Emotional Well-Being Impacts Academic Success

    12/24/2025

    Changing Attitudes Changes Outcomes: How Emotional Well-Being Impacts Academic Success

    Welcome to another episode of The Silk Stocking Sisters Podcast. In this episode, we explore the psychological impact of school desegregation and the connection between emotional well-being and academic achievement. Our host, Dr. Theresa J. Canada, Licensed Professional Counselor and author of Desegregation of the New York City Schools: A Story of The Silk Stocking Sisters, uses both research and personal insight to shed light on how desegregation shaped the emotional and psychological experiences of children and how those experiences influence their ability to thrive academically. Dr. Canada discusses a key chapter from her book that examines how a childs emotional well-being is connected to academic achievement. Referencing research from child development experts and researcher Nancy St. John, she highlights three critical outcomes of desegregation: anxiety, self-concept, and aspiration. This conversation highlights how a childs environment influences how they learn and how they see themselves and their future. A key message in this episode is that addressing attitudes early on is one of the most effective ways to influence behavior. Dr. Canada emphasizes the importance of fostering supportive, nurturing environments where children can thrive both mentally and emotionally, and explains how shifting attitudes can lead to meaningful and lasting change.   Be sure to tune in and subscribe to The Silk Stocking Sisters Podcast on the ALIVE Podcast Network app for more episodes!

    20 min
  2. The Resegregation of Schools: How Education Became Divided Again and Why It Matters Today

    12/17/2025

    The Resegregation of Schools: How Education Became Divided Again and Why It Matters Today

    Thank you for joining us for another episode of The Silk Stocking Sisters Podcast. In this episode, we explore one of the most pressing issues in education today: the resegregation of schools. Despite the desegregation efforts of the 1960s and the policies created to promote integration, many schools across the United States have gradually become segregated once again. We reflect on the historical efforts of school integration, including busing initiatives and the rise of magnet schools in the 1970s. These efforts were created to diversify the student population and expand educational opportunity. As public schools became more diverse, many non-people of color left the city to attend private schools in suburban neighborhoods, deepening this divide. We examine how shifting policies, school choice, and housing patterns are the main contributors for todays resegregated educational system. Throughout the conversation, Dr. Canada emphasizes that quality education and academic excellence should not depend on zip code, race, or school type. She challenges us to reconsider how we define opportunity, choice, and equity in American schooling. Join us for a timely conversation that connects the past to the present and examines what equity in education truly looks like today. Remember to subscribe to The Silk Stocking Sisters Podcast on the ALIVE Podcast Network app for more episodes!

    14 min
  3. The Power of Friendship: How Supportive Relationships Boost Academic Success and Well-Being

    12/10/2025

    The Power of Friendship: How Supportive Relationships Boost Academic Success and Well-Being

    Welcome to another episode of The Silk Stocking Sisters Podcast. In this episode, we explore the power of supportive learning environments and the role friendship plays in academic success. Dr. Canada reflects on her personal journey, sharing how meaningful friendships helped her navigate the challenges of school and ultimately strengthened her drive for excellence. Referencing her book, Desegregation of the New York City Schools: A Story of The Silk Stocking Sisters, Dr. Canada recalls her experience as one of the few students selected to attend a predominantly white school during a desegregation experiment, where she encountered significant hostility and discrimination. She expresses gratitude for one friendship that provided her with the encouragement and resilience she needed to thrive. We also highlight key research showing the strong link between friendship, mental health, and long-term well-being. Our discussion explores how supportive relationships improve emotional and mental wellness, creating a foundation for student success and academic growth. Social connections shape who we become and how we learn. Join us for an important conversation on the impact of friendship and the ways supportive relationships can improve mental health. Be sure to subscribe to The Silk Stocking Sisters Podcast on the ALIVE Podcast Network app for more episodes!

    21 min
  4. Understanding Socioeconomic Status & Educational Opportunity in America

    12/03/2025

    Understanding Socioeconomic Status & Educational Opportunity in America

    On this episode of The Silk Stocking Sisters Podcast, we discuss the relationship between socioeconomic status and educational opportunity in New York City and other U.S. public schools from the 1960s to today. With host Dr. Canada, we explore how socioeconomic status is defined, how it impacts academic success, and the root causes of the persistent economic achievement gap. Dr. Canada explains that in order to truly understand the economic achievement gap, we must first examine Americas racial history and the impact it has had on the distribution of wealth. We examine the systemic barriers many lower-income students face, which make them less likely to succeed than their higher-income peers. Research from 2024 shows that the most common challenges among lower-income students are lower attendance rates and higher dropout rates.  This episode highlights how the widening socioeconomic gap, which began increasing in the 1970s, has been driven by unequal access to resources and opportunities. Dr. Canada shares compelling references and research on how inequitable wealth distribution has shaped current disparities in lower-income communities. Findings on life expectancy have shown how socioeconomic status influences not only education, but also health care access and overall quality of life.  Join us for this important conversation as we unpack the realities of economic inequality and discuss what it will take to create a more equitable future for all students. Remember to subscribe to The Silk Stocking Sisters Podcast on the ALIVE Podcast Network app for more episodes!

    37 min
  5. The Power of Parent Involvement: A Conversation on Desegregation and Early Learning Success

    11/26/2025

    The Power of Parent Involvement: A Conversation on Desegregation and Early Learning Success

    Thank you for joining us for another episode of The Silk Stocking Sisters Podcast. In this episode, host Dr. Theresa J. Canada references her research in early childhood education to examine the powerful role parents played in the desegregation process of the 1960s and how their involvement shaped childrens early learning experiences. Dr. Canada highlights parent involvement as a key indicator of early academic success and emphasizes the importance of teachers who implement cultural aspects and foster meaningful relationships with the parents of their students.  She shares firsthand experiences from her career as an educator that reinforce an important truth of student success: meaningful partnership between teachers and parents is essential to building a strong educational foundation. Through personal stories, she provides an understanding of Harlems community in the 1960s, the economic shifts that changed the community, and the shared commitment of parents who want only the best for their children. Dr. Canada reflects on her mother's commitment to quality education, an influence that led to Dr. Canada's participation in a desegregation experiment. Join us for an important discussion about the impact of parent involvement in early childhood education. Be sure to subscribe to The Silk Stocking Sisters Podcast on the ALIVE Podcast Network app for more episodes!

    25 min
  6. The Overlooked Educators: The History of Black Teachers in 1960s NYC

    11/19/2025

    The Overlooked Educators: The History of Black Teachers in 1960s NYC

    Welcome to another episode of The Silk Stocking Sisters Podcast. In this episode, Dr. Canada explores the often overlooked history of Black teachers in New York City public schools during the early 1960s. Dr. Canada highlights how, despite the implementation of student desegregation, teacher assignments remained unchanged. Most Black educators were placed in predominantly Black and Hispanic neighborhoods. This led to a lack of representation in desegregated schools.  Dr. Canada discusses why this happened, how limited career opportunities for people of color influenced teaching as a career path, and what this history reveals about representation in education today. She also breaks down the current teacher shortage and some of the contributing factors. She offers important insight into why diverse and dedicated educators mattered then and matter now. Join us for a thoughtful conversation on the past, present, and future of teaching and the role educators play in shaping our communities. As always, subscribe to The Silk Stocking Sisters Podcast on the ALIVE Podcast Network app for more episodes!

    27 min
  7. From Her Neighborhood to the Upper East Side: Dr. Canada’s Journey Through Desegregation

    11/12/2025

    From Her Neighborhood to the Upper East Side: Dr. Canada’s Journey Through Desegregation

    Thank you for joining us for another episode of The Silk Stocking Sisters Podcast. On this episode our host, Dr. Theresa J. Canada, shares her story and experience of leaving her neighborhood school to P.S. 6, a predominantly white school on Manhattans Upper East Side, during the historic era of school desegregation.  Dr. Canada reflects on her experience navigating this transition as a young student and the gratitude she now holds for the experience. She shares how the P.S. 6 community grounded her, exposed her to a more worldly view, and provided her with one of the best educational experiences. We also explore the rich history of P.S. 6, one of New York Citys most esteemed public schools. Be sure to watch this episode on our YouTube channel, where Dr. Canada brings the story of P.S. 6 to life through a virtual tour. As always, subscribe to The Silk Stocking Sisters Podcast on the ALIVE Podcast Network app for more episodes!

    22 min
  8. Integrating Boston: Tension, Education, and Equality with Cedric Turner

    11/05/2025

    Integrating Boston: Tension, Education, and Equality with Cedric Turner

    Welcome to another episode of The Silk Stocking Sisters Podcast. In this episode, we welcome Cedric Turner, Executive Director and Founder of Empower Yourself in Massachusetts. Mr. Turner shares his firsthand experience as a student during one of the most high-tension times in Bostons educational history, the school desegregation era of the early 1970s.  As a student at English High School, at the time when it was 60% white and 40% Black, Mr. Turner offers us insight and perspective from his experience witnessing the impact of the landmark case Morgan v. Hennigan, ruled by Judge W. Arthur Garrity Jr. This case is well known for its controversial court-ordered busing that began in 1974, but Mr. Turner informs us that the main issue wasn't simply about racial imbalance, it was about equal access to quality education and resources for all students.   Mr. Turner reflects on the tension and resilience of the city of Boston, and how those experiences shaped his perspective and ultimately his career path. Inspired by a Black principal who advocated for excellence, Mr. Turner went on to found Empower Yourself, a program focused on educational leadership and dedicated to helping young people realize their potential through education. Tune in for a powerful discussion that explores Bostons racial history and the lasting impact of integration efforts. Remember to subscribe to The Silk Stocking Sisters Podcast on the ALIVE Podcast Network app for more episodes!

    29 min
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About

This podcast will share information, stories and experiences both historical and current regarding school integration, desegregation, busing and related topics in the North and Midwestern United States. The podcast is an extension of topics covered in my book Desegregation of The New York City Schools: A Story of The Silk Stocking Sisters.

Information

  • Creator
    Dr. Theresa J. Canada
  • Years Active
    2K
  • Episodes
    39
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    Copyright © 2023 Silk Stocking Sisters
  • Show Website
    The Silk Stocking Sisters