Here is what’s missing from the conversation
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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, 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:
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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 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.
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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Strengthen our public schools so that all children can thrive.
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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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Every 2nd Tuesday of the Month!
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Culturally Responsive Curriculum Toolkit
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Download the Culturally Responsive Curriculum Toolkit 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 and NYU Metro Center, 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 shown that 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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Defending Public Education & Strengthening Public Schools
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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, 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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Autocrats Are Hiding Behind the Robes of Justice
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“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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Attacks on Public Education Threaten the Legacy of Brown
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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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RSVP Now: Cultural Week of Action Kick-Off Event Friday, September 27 in St. Louis
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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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Not in St. Louis? Please share this event with your Missouri contacts and check our map for events happening near you!
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Do Something: Train To Advance Racial Equity
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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.
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.
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As summer winds down, we're gearing up for Facing Race—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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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.
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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 as we fight to make that a reality for every child across America.
In solidarity, Team Race Forward
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