Real Voice. Real Choice.
Re-centering conversations about integration, academic excellence, and parent choice.
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Roxanne Draughn
Mother, Advocate
"You need to start getting the world ready for me," my son said.
"When my son was four, he was like: 'You know mom, how you’re always trying to get me ready for the world? Well, you need to start getting the world ready for me!' And you know, he has a point, right? This should be a system of equity where you feel like you can learn and you feel encouraged to learn."
Howard Fuller
Educator and Civil Rights Leader
"We need solutions that value the humanity and the potential of our students."
"There are clearly educators out there who, every day, are in buildings or in locations educating these kids—really giving them the tools they’re going to need to be able to survive, to be enable children to try and figure out how children can change the trajectory of their lives. We need solutions that value the humanity and the potential of our students."
TaShonda Williamson
Mother, Advocate
"Culturally-affirming schools are priceless"
"Culturally-affirming schools are priceless; when youth can find commonality with the adults in their lives (especially adults at their schools), you can guarantee vast positive benefits as the fruits of those planted seeds."
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Are students of color receiving our best?
Minnesota is home to some of the nation’s worst gaps in achievement and opportunity—a reality that does not reflect the unlimited potential of our students. We need solutions that value their humanity and potential—solutions that empower families who have been historically underserved by our education system and that support academically rigorous and culturally-affirming school options.
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Hear more perspectives from parents, students, educators, and thought leaders.
I Love My Skin!’ Why Black Parents Are Turning to Afrocentric Schools
Jan 08, 2019
While New York City schools are deeply segregated, some black families are choosing an alternative to integration.
Read NY Times
Damned if You Do, Damned if you Don't
Dec 20, 2018
As a PhD, a mom to two Black girls, and a homeowner in North Minneapolis, I'm juggling the realities of a city that's perfected the use of the term equity, but resists the type of innovation required to deliver on its promises.
Read Pollen
The Integrated Schools Podcast: Interview with a Skeptic
Jul 25, 2018
Education advocate and outspoken critic of current integration efforts, Chris Stewart joins us to discuss how this work so often goes wrong.
Listen to the Podcast
Racial rebalancing — from a real-life perspective
Oct 19, 2018
Commentary and counterpoint about a case before the Minnesota Supreme Court were both wide of the mark.
Read the Star Tribune
A real conversation about what MN children of color need
Aug 10, 2018
As the Cruz-Guzman lawsuit advances, we must stay focused on what matters most: improving opportunities for all children, especially children of color who've been denied an adequate education for decades.
Read MinnPost
St. Paul officials, don't point fingers at charter schools
Apr 18, 2019
These schools give families, particularly those of low income and those of color, a chance to find the best fit for their children.
Read the Star TribuneAct
Advancing education justice means defending the power and autonomy of those most impacted by Minnesota’s inequitable education system. Families are fighting for access to high-quality schools that prepare their children for a dignified life, and you can support them.