How to Talk to Kids about Equity, Racism and Social Justice with Jason B

Get More Info About Dr. Robyn Here: http://www.DrRobynSilverman.comHow to Talk to Kids about Equity, Racism and Social Justice This podcast focuses on the conversations that need to occur around racism, inequities and social justice in a world where black and brown boys are routinely marginalized, mistreated and made to feel inferior.  How can advocates, educators, parents and activists become mentors and guides for black and brown boys? How can we empower our young people to speak out and create change? How can we change the stereotypes of this group of young people by highlighting the good, changing our expectations and altering the old systems that no longer serve? Dr. Robyn Silverman speaks with educator, Jason B. Allen, about how we can make a difference. Special guest: Jason B. Allen It is no secret that many of our black and brown boys are marginalized, mistreated and made to feel inferior in today’s world. You’ve heard leaders call for systemic change- but that only happens when the people within our systems, help them to change. We need advocates, educators and activists to help do this important work—to teach and guide us, as parents and coaches and prominent people in the lives of youth on how to help all our young people reach their potential. There are some uncomfortable conversations that must occur- about racism, about inequity, about social justice—with those young people who are on the receiving end of inequities as well as with those who are peers, friends, teachers and parents of those who must cope with these inequities every day. How do we talk to our kids about equity and social justice? How do we empower our young people to speak out and make change? And How do we present ourselves as mentors—or provide the mentors our children need- so that they have people to look towards who look like them so they can see where they can go with hard work and hopefully, a fair shot. For all of this, I turn to special educator, Jason B. Allen. Jason B. Allen is a Special Education teacher in Georgia. Jason has worked in Education for over fifteen years as a teacher and leader servicing students, families and communities. One way he uses his platform is by helping to improve ways to recruit, retain and empower Black male educators to advocate for social justice and equity through his work with Profound Gentlemen. As an education activist and blogger (EdLanta), Jason actively speaks and writes on ways to improve educational outcomes and is helping lift student voices in decisions to improve and reimagine education. He is a member of the Association of American Educators (AAE) and an AAE Foundation Advocacy Fellow and a 2017 YouCAN Advocates Program Alumni. Important Messages: “As a Black male educator, I don’t just get to talk about it; I have to be about it. Every day I have an opportunity to shift the narrative on how Black boys—who will grow into productive citizens like me—are accepted, treated, perceived and depicted in the world. Black boys often show some of the highest levels of deficiency in areas of academics, behavior, discipline and attendance in schools.”  Change the narrative around Black boys: Sharing the stories of the black and brown boys in the classroom- what they would like to see, their struggles, how home and outside of the home plays a role. Data show that black boys struggled when it came to discipline in the schools—problems with policy and cultural dynamics. Story of Kalen- shows that building relationships with students can create positive change and enables better educational outcomes. Engagement- engage our students. Government doesn’t invest in family and community engagement in our public schools. (See Harvard School of Education under Karen Mapp). Engagement helps the kids who might have been left behind. We need to be intentional about what we are doing right now- having the conversations. What are you going through? How is this going for you? How is the classroom, this school, impacting you, positively or negatively? Then we lay out the variables. We start to do the problem-solving so that the things that they see teachers do in the classroom, they can see us doing in real time- that’s how you get the buy in.” The more we have the conversations, the easier they become. 2% of male educators of color in the classroom in America. Need for more social-emotional support for children of color in public schools. Resource- Demario Harmen Fort- Company is SpeakLight (see resources for info). Battling depression, anger issues- check that out. Children need to have representation in the classroom- but also in areas that impact the classroom like school boards- so if they don’t have a teacher who looks like them in classroom, they are still represented. Story- Ms. Thornton. Understood that the punitive systems were not working so she got together with the counselor and created a different outlet for Jason- one where he wrote down his feelings and journ

from Dr. Robyn Silverman
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