BESR Conference Highlights
VIDEOS
2018 BESR Conference Empowering Black Students: Erin Jones
2018 BESR Conference Empowering Black Students: Dr. Johnny Lake
2018 BESR Conference Empowering Black Students: Educators Panel
2018 BESR Conference Empowering Black Students: Data Equity Walk
2018 CONFERENCE NOTES
- The student panel opened the conference. Their candor and assessment of the education system were important messages for us to hear. Caring and supportive educators, in addition to these students’ own self-determination, have enabled them to take full advantage of their education.
- The Data Equity Walk exposed the systemic conditions that create barriers for Black students. As called out by Dr. Thelma Jackson, our education system is imbedded with institutional racism and BESR needs to take a lead in addressing this issue with key state leaders, departments and organizations. If you are interested in conducting a Data Equity Walk, review Ed Trust’s toolkit and check with me on using the poster boards from the conference.
- Erin Jones and Dr. Johnny Lake provided keynote addresses acknowledging the racial conditions in our society and education system and demonstrated we have opportunities to set new narratives about the intellectual capabilities of Black students.
- Workshop presenters engaged attendees with thoughtful and action-oriented presentations on topics ranging from the genius of Black students to the opportunities for more Blacks in STEM related fields and careers. As an overall example of appreciation for the workshops, attendees in the cultivating Black leader workshop sought out evaluation forms to ensure we knew about the power of that presentation.