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Equity Matters! Black History Month 2021

Dear Colleagues,

"The question that faces us today is whether or not Black History Month is still relevant", writes Lonnie G. Bunch III, the founding director of the National Museum of African American History & Culture. "Is it still a vehicle for change? Or has it simply become one more school assignment that has limited meaning for children?" The answer to these questions is up to each person reading this newsletter. Mr. Bunch continues, "African American history month...is still a beacon of change and hope that is still surely needed in this world."

Our colleague Troy Boddy, director of the Equity Initiatives Unit, explains this in more personal terms, "Black History Month always resonated with me as a student because it was one of the few times I saw my blackness celebrated. I remember working with my other Black classmates on displays that highlighted African American contributions. When March rolled around, we were once again invisible, except for the Black History elective course offered at my high school. I only remember other Black students enrolled in the class. As a student this taught me that our history only mattered to us. I was lucky to grow up in a home where I learned the history of my family and the contributions of Africans from the earliest civilizations to the present day. Because of my family, I was able to grow up with a strong sense of self, even if it was invisible to some. I hope that one day all students see themselves in the curriculum and can celebrate the diverse heros and sheroes that built this country but who are too often omitted from history books."

This issue contains articles on: Everyday Sheroes & Heroes, The Counter Story, Reflecting on Student Experiences, Historically Black Colleges and Universities, Examples of how to do Professional Learning, Black Social Justice Movements, Black and LGBTQ, and the History of Black Communities in Montgomery County. We know this is too much information for busy people to absorb. We ask that you find one or two articles or videos that resonate with you and push you to think differently.

Please reach out to us to tell us about the great work you are doing or to ask for support. Click the evaluation button to give us feedback on this edition.

Sincerely,

Troy, Daryl, Deanna, Edvin, Ericka, Joan, Maniya, Marya, and John

The Root 100 annual list of the most influential African Americans, ages 25 to 45. https://interactives.theroot.com/root-100-2020/

Everyday Sheroes & Heroes

Black history celebrations typically consist of members of the community that have reached the heights of their careers and made large changes in our society. This year we want to recognize the everyday Black sheroes and heroes that inspired you, challenged you, made you better, or affirmed you.

Members of the Equity Initiatives Unit each highlighted one person or group that made a difference in our lives. Is there someone who you would like to honor? Click here to make a slide and then email it to John_Landesman@mcpsmd.org. We will add to this presentation.

The Counter Story

One way to fight back negative images of people of color is to be intentional about highlighting stories that tell the full truth and complexity of a group of people. These are called counterstories.

Each month, EquityMatters! will include a regular section called The Counter Story that feature the voices of our students, families, and staff who are often marginalized in the media, curriculum, and our classrooms. Counterstories help us to interrupt our explicit and implicit bias.

Last month we featured videos from Latino students who participated in a program organized by PODER Educators and the Equity Initiatives Unit. You can see the videos here.

This month we feature videos from students who participated in the recent Black Student Voices forum organized by the Equity Initiatives Unit and the Office of Student, Family, and School Services.

These videos are good activators for staff or planning meetings. As you listen to the students, think about your reactions:

  • How are the students' responses making you feel?
  • How do the responses confirm or challenge your beliefs?
  • Are there practices at your school or office that need to change?

Reflecting on Student Experiences

As we celebrate Black History Month, we want to bring attention to the triumphs and challenges of our Black students. What do we need to know about their experiences?

We ask that you challenge yourself to read and view these resources (and then seek more) as a way to begin gaining a better understanding and connection with your Black students.

I Teach for Black Girls Like Me

Bria Wright understands the impact one teacher can have—to help or to harm. Here’s how she carries that understanding into her classroom.

Hey Queens!! Black Girl Magic!!

From all of these QUEENS to all of you... here's a special motivational message to get the new year started right.

As you view the video, think about the messages being shared. Then, think about how you affirm and embrace the brilliance of Black girls in your space?

Girlhood Interrupted: The Erasure of Black Girls' Childhood

This groundbreaking study by the Georgetown Law Center on Poverty and Inequality provides—for the first time—data showing that adults view Black girls as less innocent and more adult-like than their whitepeers, especially in the age range of 5–14.

Stop Talking in Code: Call Them Black Boys

In this article, Intructional Specialist, Dr. Daryl Howard, challenges colleagues to consider the school-based and societal implications of calling Black boys “Black males.”

Black Boys

"In a nation still struggling to rectify its racial legacy—BLACK BOYS illuminates the full humanity of Black boys and men in America."

Black Boy Joy: 30 Picture Books Featuring Black Male Protagonists

Historically Black Colleges and Universities

Our colleague Troy Boddy writes, "When I was accepted to Morehouse College in the early spring of 1984, one of over 100 Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU), I remember being asked, why would you go there? I thought, why would I want to go anywhere else? I have never regretted the experience. We were pushed to be exceptional and were held to high expectations to go out into the world and do great things while uplifting others. This is a common theme for all HBCU graduates I have met over the years. This month we celebrate the legacy and the excellence of Historically Black Colleges and Universities."

Quick HBCU Facts

  • HBCUs graduate most of the African American students who go on to earn Ph.D.s.
  • United States of America Vice President Kamala Harris graduated from Howard Univeristy.
  • More than 50 percent of the nation’s African American public school teachers and 70 percent of African American dentists earned degrees at HBCUs.
  • Spelman and Bennett Colleges produce over half of the nation's African American women who go on to earn doctorates in all science fields.
  • Over half of all African American professionals are graduates of HBCUs.
  • HBCUs have over a $10.2 billion positive impact on the nation’s economy.

Tell Them We Are Rising

180 Years of Excellence: A History of Historically Black Colleges and Universities

HBCU First's 180 Years of Excellence begins with "Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) have been at the center of the American story for over 180 years— socially and economically."

The Montgomery County Alliance of Black School Educators (MCABSE) Homecoming

On February 11, 2021, over 120 staff from Montgomery County Public Schools came together for a homecoming to share their experiences attending HBCUs. Listen to colleagues share their stories and talk about why HBCUs were so important to their lives.

History of MCABSE

Since the 1970s, the Montgomery County Alliance of Black School Educators (MCABSE) is a nonprofit organization devoted to furthering the academic success of its children particularly children of African descent. The mission of MCABSE is to improve educational experiences, accomplishments and cultural excellence of all African American youth in the Montgomery County Public School System (MCPS).

MIT Black History Project: documents evidence of the role and experience of the black community at MIT since 1865. https://www.blackhistory.mit.edu/

Resources

Loiederman Students Create Lessons for Black Lives Matter At School Week

Loiederman Middle School Student Government Association members Esther Dzinedza, Carissa Montier, Loid Frimpong, Ta'Layah Holman and a variety of additional Loiederman students worked with their sponsor Marie Ostrega to create lessons celebrating Black Lives Matter at School Week.

The purpose of the week is to highlight the diversity in the Black community and to seek racial justice and positive visibility for all Black and African American families in our schools.

Goshen Elementary School

We always love learning about how schools and offices are using the materials from EquityMatters! to further their professional learning. We were excited to hear how Goshen Elementary School developed a professional development lesson around the article My Black Boys Told Me to Tell You that was highlighted in a recent edition of EquityMatters! Click on the video below for an explanation of the lesson.

Each month, Equity Initiatives Instructional Specialist, Dr. Joan Mory, will provide new, specific resources (articles, strategies, videos, techniques, activators, etc.) that can be used at meetings, in planning, and in the classroom, home or community. They will address different themes associated with teaching, learning and leading.

This month’s focus recognizes the contributions, achievements, and history of African Americans

Equity Modules

Below are modules that provide the skills and practice needed to address complex equity problems. The modules are designed to be self-paced or done as a team. Participants can recieve PDO credit.

  • How to Talk About Race -- PDO #89781 EIU
  • Planning Effective and Culturally Responsive Meeting -- PDO #89783
  • How to Be an Antiracist -- PDO #89782

Social Justice Movements

In recent years, we have seen varying forms of social protest from March for our Lives, The Women’s March, Black Lives Matter, and the March to Save America; these are all forms of protest against real or perceived injustice.

Black History Month is a good reminder of the need to learn about the protest history for racial equality for African Americans.

Our MCPS Social Studies Department has shared here a few lessons (for all grade levels) that elevate the many reasons, approaches, and results of these efforts in the pursuit of racial justice.

As you read through the resources around social justice, think about how they inform the current Black Lives Matter movement. What can you learn from the resources shared to improve your understanding?

Black and LGBTQ

Why highlight members of the LGBTQ community during Black History Month? Crystal Hudson writes, "As a Black gay woman, I have seldom felt all of my identities and experiences captured in the movements or spaces that set out to uplift my life experiences and protect and expand my rights..." She continues, "...we have not always shared so proudly the full breadth and depth of Black history. Now is the time for us to acknowledge the longstanding and continued leadership of queer people in the advancement of Black people."

Read Crystal's article here. Then view following video and articles.

Celebrating My Black and Queer Identities

Black Heros of the LGBTQ Community

WITH PRIDE: UPLIFTING LGBTQ HISTORY ON BLACKPAST

Bayard Rustin, Bessie Smith, Alain LeRoy Locke, Lucy Hicks Anderson, James Baldwin, Barbara Jordan, Langston Hughes, Pauli Murray, and Countee Cullen (Collage by BlackPast.org)

Montgomery County Black History

Did you know that there are more than 40 historic African American communities in Montgomery County? Watch and read the resources below to learn more about the history of our own communities.

Montgomery County Reflections: Honoring Historic African American Communities

Watch this video to learn about the history of African American communities in Montgomery County including Scotland in Potomac, Emory Grove in Gaithersburg, and White Ground in Boyds.

Discover Historic African American Communities in Montgomery County

This website provides links and resources to learn more about Black history in Montgomery County including sites you can visit.

The Sandy Spring Slave Museum and African Art Gallery

The Sandy Spring Slave Museum is a gem right here in Montgomery County. The museum focuses on the heritage of Blacks from their origin through the Middle passage, the salvation the Underground Railroad provided, the struggle for civil rights, and their accomplishments in the United States and African Diaspora.

More Resources

The Equity Initiatives Unit has many resources for learning, training, and dialogue.

Equity Padlet

Haven't found what you're looking for? Check out our Equity Resources Padlet. It's a live site that continues to be updated.

Equity Lending Library

The Equity Initatives Unit is excited to announce its new Professional Development Collection. This is a lending library for you to borrow books to support your equity journey. Just click on the link below and then hit borrow.

Culturally Responsive Family Engagement

We need families as partners more today than ever. Click here for the Equity Initiatives Unit's familiy engagement resources.

EquityMatters!

Look through past editions of EquityMatters!

Your Feedback

Please take two minutes to give us your feedback on this newsletter and to let us know what kinds of resources you would like to see.

Created By
John Landesman
Appreciate

Credits:

My Vote -- https://www.rlmartstudio.com/product/my-vote/; Honoring Historic African American Communities -- https://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/COUNCIL/SpecialPrograms/BHM2020.html; When We See Ourselves -- Troy Boddy;