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Dear John,

Editor's Note: As we were putting the finishing touches on this
newsletter, we learned of yet another horrendous school shooting that
left four people dead at Apalachee High School in Georgia. Our
condolences go out to the families and community of those impacted by
this senseless act. We also renew our calls for this nation to get
serious about gun control and implement meaningful legislation that will
end gun violence.

We stand at a pivotal moment in our nation's history. With students
returning to classrooms and a monumental election approaching, the fate
of public education in America remains top of mind for families,
educators, and advocates.

The election is not merely about choosing political leaders; it is about
shaping the future of public goods in America. Public schools are the
bedrock of a strong, multiracial democracy, shaping young minds into
productive and civically engaged individuals. These spaces should be
experiential, innovative spaces, not ones filled with fear of physical
or emotional harm due to school shootings, racism, and anti-LGBTQI+
sentiment.

By now, you have heard numerous reports—and ominous whispers—about
Project 2025
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, the far-right's authoritarian playbook to weaken our democracy.
Project 2025 aims to eliminate 180,000 teacher positions and dismantle
the U.S. Department of Education, an agency that was established to
ensure equal educational opportunity for every individual.

In the coming weeks, you'll probably be inundated with more information
about Project 2025, public schools, and the future of our democracy.
Here are a few things to keep in mind:

Stay vigilant.

Historically, public schools have faced relentless challenges and
underfunding regardless of political leadership. A Democratic or
Republican presidency will not magically stop the attacks on public
education. We must stay vigilant before and beyond the election,
supporting education justice leaders and campaigns year-round.

Our HEAL (Honest Education Action & Leadership) Together [[link removed]]
initiative works with national partners to advocate for fully funded
public education. Our collective efforts are an antidote to the
proposals in Project 2025.

Education justice and racial justice are inseparable.

The persistent underfunding of public schools disproportionately impacts
Black and Latinx students, who make up the majority of the public school
population. Thankfully, Black and brown-led coalitions in North
Carolina, Tennessee, and across the nation are leading the fight for
educational equity and justice, providing hope and a roadmap to victory.

To help, tap into the Public School Strong campaign [[link removed]].

Fund our schools.

Federal ESSER (Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief)
funding, which infused nearly $200 billion into public education
post-COVID-19, will end on September 30, 2024. This short-term funding
provided essential resources, like tutoring, free summer schools, and
support for students with disabilities, leading to positive academic
outcomes. These benefits were notable for students of color, low-income
families, and those with disabilities.

Learn more about the impact of the ESSER funds.
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What's new?

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Strengthen our public schools so that all children can thrive.

HEAL Together's "Public School Strong" campaign mobilizes parents,
educators, students, and community leaders nationwide to engage their
local school boards on issues of importance to public education in their
communities and states. This includes advocating for promised funding of
IDEA (Individuals with Disabilities Education Act) and Title I.

To learn more about Public School Strong, watch this video!
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Join the Next Orientation
Every 2nd Tuesday of the Month!
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Culturally Responsive Curriculum Toolkit

Download the Culturally Responsive Curriculum Toolkit
[[link removed]?]
for resources and strategies on how to create a more inclusive and
equitable learning environment in your school district.

The toolkit, produced by HEAL Together, Local Progress [[link removed]]
and NYU Metro Center [[link removed]],
provides real-life examples and an easy-to-use roadmap for educators
and education advocates to bring a culturally responsive curriculum to
their communities.

Evidence has shownthat a culturally responsible education prepares students to
engage in a diverse society, increases academic engagement, improves
graduation rates, and helps students with their own positive self-image.

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Download Today! [[link removed]]

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Defending Public Education & Strengthening Public Schools

From science teacher to a prominent education advocate, Betty Pringle's
journey to becoming the head of the largest labor union in the U.S. is
nothing short of inspiring. As president of the National Education
Association [[link removed]], she's now at the forefront of fighting
for a public education that truly serves all students. On our latest
Momentum podcast episode, Pringle shares her lifelong commitment to
social justice with Anastasia Ordonez, director of strategic communications
for HEAL Together at Race Forward.

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Listen on Apple Podcasts
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Listen on Spotify Podcasts
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Autocrats Are Hiding Behind the Robes of Justice

"Racism is not only the elephant in the room; it is the elephant
trampling democracy," writes Cathy Albisa, vice president of
Institutional and Sectoral Change at Race Forward. In " Autocrats Are
Hiding Behind the Robes of Justice," Albisa contends that while our democracy
has always been imperfect, it provides foundational ideals that enable
people's movements to strive for America's full potential.
She argues that recent Supreme Court rulings on homelessness and
presidential immunity contradict these ideals and undermine our democratic system.

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SOURCE: Democracy Docket

Read More
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Attacks on Public Education Threaten the Legacy of Brown

Brown v. Board of Education turned 70 in May, but the vision of a robust
and equitable public education system may yet be a dream deferred. Many
education experts said the current wave of politicized offensives
against a system already under stress pushes public schools toward a
tipping point.

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Read it on Colorlines
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What's next?

RSVP Now: Cultural Week of Action Kick-Off Event
Friday, September 27 in St. Louis

Join us on September 27 in St. Louis for the kickoff event for our
inaugural Cultural Week of Action on Race and Democracy! Engage in
dynamic panel discussions, memorable live performances, and witness the
newly unveiled art installation honoring Michael Brown Jr. The Cultural
Week of Action showcases how arts, culture, and creativity can be
utilized to secure a just, multiracial democracy. RSVP for free.

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RSVP Today! [[link removed]]

Not in St. Louis? Please share this event with your Missouri contacts
and check our map for events happening near you!

Do Something: Train To Advance Racial Equity

We're thrilled to host our first in-person public training since the
pandemic in St. Louis, and we'd love to see you (and/or your colleagues)
there! Our Building Racial Equity: Foundations training is the space for
advocates, organizers, and leaders to connect and leverage their skills
towards building a more racially equitable future.

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This in-person training, happening on Thursday, October 17, offers rich
opportunities to engage in robust small group discussions, allowing you
to tap into and learn from other leaders' experiences. Our activities
will come to life with expert facilitation and use of the beautiful
space provided by the Deaconess Foundation [[link removed]].

Building Racial Equity Foundations Thursday, October 17, 9 am – 4 pm CT
Deaconess Center for Child Well-Being
1000 N. Vandeventer Avenue
St. Louis, MO 63113
Lunch and Refreshments will be provided.

Register Today!
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As summer winds down, we're gearing up for Facing Race [[link removed]]
—the nation's largest multiracial and intergenerational racial justice
conference. Picture this: a vibrant space filled with thousands of
advocates and co-conspirators, ready to stir up "good trouble" in
pursuit of a just, inclusive future for all.

Don't miss out on this year's Facing Race conference in St. Louis,
Missouri. Register now to secure your spot.

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What are you waiting for?

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Still need to convince your employer? We have the tools you need!

[[link removed]]

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Services for Organizations

Race Forward is committed to transformational, sustainable change for
racial justice. We provide services to help organizations develop and
advance racially equitable policies and practices.

Our services are developed and delivered by a multiracial and
multigenerational team of experts with extensive knowledge and
experience in various areas, including policy and program development,
leadership development and strategic coaching, community organizing, and
racial equity.

Learn More
[[link removed]]

John, public schools are where our children learn
about themselves and their potential.

Where they experience the power of community.

Where today's students become tomorrow's leaders.

Imagine a world where every child, regardless of race, gender,
ethnicity, or zip code, can dream big because their schools are fully
funded.

Join us [[link removed]] as we fight to make that a
reality for every child across America.

In solidarity,

Team Race Forward

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