OF NOTE

A Bi-Monthly Update from The Nellie Mae Education Foundation

Photo by RODNAE Productions: https://www.pexels.com/photo/girl-laughing-while-writing-6936134/

Centering Celebration as We Work Towards Change

These past two months have been a time for celebration, particularly as we recognize Black History Month; this is especially true as educators, students, and community members organize against continued attacks on teaching truth in our classrooms. We are proud to support our grantees in this work and celebration, and to uplift stories about the importance of teaching Black history all year long, even as those lessons are under attack.

BLACK HISTORY IS AMERICAN HISTORY

Nellie Mae Senior Program and Equity Officer Ellen Wang writes about the importance of teaching the full truth of Black history in American history classes, in this moment where some states are banning AP African American History in their schools. Learn more about some of the work our grantees are doing to uplift educational justice in New England and what steps you can take to support it on our website.

CELEBRATING BLACK AND LATINO STUDIES IN CT

"In this course, the truth is being revealed about Latino and African American cultures and their achievements, so it’s great to learn about it.” From Nellie Mae grantee New England News Collaborative, educators and students share how their schools are benefitting from Black and Latino Studies, even as similar classes are banned in other states.

WHY BLACK TEACHERS STAY

Educator Rann Miller writes about the compounded challenges Black teachers face, and why he chooses to stay in the profession despite the harm he's faced: "I stay because a Black teacher poured into me. Therefore, it is my turn to pour into someone that they might one day pour into another."

NELLIE MAE ANNOUNCES NEW GRANT COMMITMENTS

We are very excited to announce new grants we have released over the past several months that will support our core mission of challenging racial inequities and advancing excellent, student-centered public education for all New England youth. These include grants that fall under our Supporting Organizations Led by People of Color, Advancing Community School Partnerships, and Amplifying Youth Voice & Leadership grant funds.

In This Issue

Racial Disparities in RI Education

Nellie Mae grantee Rhode Island KIDS COUNT released a new report that details racial and ethnic disparities in the state's education system, an issue that looms large as the student population grows more diverse.