Marina Marcou-O'Malley & Zakiyah Shaakir Ansari · [email protected]

March 7, 2025 at 1:01 PM

Time is running out to raise wages of NY's child care workforce

  Hi John,   Families and child care educators are counting on Albany to take action in this year’s budget to address the ongoing crisis in child care and provider wages—starting with raising wages for the…

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  Marina Marcou-O'Malley + Zakiyah Shaakir-Ansari · [email protected]

March 6, 2025 at 8:42 PM

Don’t Allow the DOE to Be Dismantled

Any minute now, President Trump is expected to sign an executive order to dismantle the U.S. Department of Education (DOE). The President does not have the power to unilaterally eliminate federal agencies - only Congress has that authority. But with Congress under Republican …

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  Marina Marcou-O'Malley + Zakiyah Shaakir-Ansari · [email protected]

March 4, 2025 at 9:50 PM

Before Budgets Are Set, Speak Up For School Communities

As threats to public education intensify at the federal level - with Linda McMahon now confirmed to lead the Department of Education, and on track to underfund our schools and dismantle the Department itself - our state leaders must respond quickly to protect funding supportin…

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  Marina Marcou-O'Malley + Zakiyah Shaakir-Ansari · [email protected]

February 26, 2025 at 9:15 PM

Invest In Our New York - Tax the Rich, Fund Our Future!

Yesterday we were in Albany for Invest in Our New York Advocacy Day, demanding that Governor Hochul and the legislature act now to ensure that millionaires, billionaires, and highly profitable corporations pay their fair share. For weeks, New Yorkers have waited for leadershi…

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  Marina Marcou-O'Malley and Zakiyah Shaakir-Ansari · [email protected]

February 24, 2025 at 1:18 PM

Standing Up for New Yorkers - Join Us in Thanking AG Letitia James

For the past six weeks, New Yorkers have been in dire need of a voice in leadership who would let us know they are fighting for us, instead of letting us live in fear because of their deafening silence. Children have missed school, families are avoiding hospitals, businesses h…

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  Marina Marcou-O'Malley and Zakiyah Shaakir-Ansari · [email protected]

February 21, 2025 at 9:02 PM

Join Us in Thanking AG Letitia James for True Leadership

For the past six weeks, New Yorkers have been in dire need of a voice in leadership who would let us know they are fighting for us, instead of letting us live in fear because of their deafening silence. Children have missed school, families are avoiding hospitals, businesses h…

See More from Marina Marcou-O'Malley and Zakiyah Shaakir-Ansari

  Zakiyah Shaakir-Ansari + Marina Marcou-O'Malley · [email protected]

February 21, 2025 at 6:05 PM

Public Schools Are Under Attack - Stand Up! Fight Back!

Equity in public education in America has never been freely given - it’s something communities have fought for, defended, and strengthened for generations. That fight continues today as public schools and early childhood education programs face relentless attacks at every leve…

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  Zakiyah Shaakir-Ansari and Marina Marcou-O'Malley · [email protected]

February 14, 2025 at 6:07 PM

Congress, send Linda McMahon home, not to the Department of Ed!

  Hi John, Linda McMahon began her confirmation hearings for Secretary of Education yesterday. Her nomination is a direct threat to our public schools, particularly those serving our Black, brown, and low-…

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  Marina Marcou-O'Malley + Zakiyah Shaakir-Ansari · [email protected]

February 7, 2025 at 9:17 PM

We’ve been busy fighting for New York’s children

Hi John,   It’s been very busy in the last couple of weeks in the AQE world. Advocacy days, hearings, press events… there’s been a lot happening. From taking our message directly to polic…

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  Zakiyah Shaakir-Ansari & Marina Marcou-O'Malley​ · [email protected]

February 4, 2025 at 12:47 PM

Kicking Off AQE Advocacy Day - Black History Month in Action

Hi John, Right now, hundreds of students, parents, educators, and advocates are on their way to the State Capitol for AQE’s annual Advocacy Day, from cities across New York — Buffalo, Syracuse, Utica, Rochester, New York City. As we celebrate Black History Month, we recognize …

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  Zakiyah Shaakir-Ansari & Marina Marcou-O'Malley​ · [email protected]

January 24, 2025 at 4:13 PM

NY's budget must not jeapordize the wellbeing of some students

Hi John, This week when Governor Hochul released her state budget proposal for the coming year, she said she wanted to invest in making the lives of families and children a little better. But a little bit better just isn't good enough. It does not meet the needs of New York f…

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  Marina Marcou-O'Malley + Zakiyah Shaakir-Ansari · [email protected]

January 21, 2025 at 8:53 PM

RSVP Today for Child Care Advocacy Day on January 28!

  Hi John,   On January 28, we’re headed to Albany for Child Care Advocacy Day and we need you to join us. This is your chance to make a real impact on the future of ear…

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  Zakiyah Shaakir-Ansari + Marina Marcou-O'Malley · [email protected]

January 20, 2025 at 12:47 PM

This MLK Day, We Push for More: For Education, Child Care, and a Stronger Economic Future for All

  Hi John,   As we honor Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s legacy today, we face a reality where an incoming administration threatens many of the gains he fought for, especia…

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  Zakiyah Shaakir-Ansari + Marina Marcou-O'Malley · [email protected]

January 17, 2025 at 3:45 PM

Governor Hochul Sets the Tone - Now It’s Our Turn to Make Our Needs Heard

  Hi John,   Every year, New York’s governor delivers the State of the State address. This speech isn’t just a political tradition - it’s a roadmap for the state’s budge…

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  Marina Marcou-O'Malley + Zakiyah Shaakir-Ansari · [email protected]

January 10, 2025 at 3:36 PM

Step Up for Education - Advocacy Day is February 4

  Hi John,   As we are going into an uncertain and even hostile federal public education context, state and local leaders must step up to protect and invest in the futur…

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  Zakiyah Shaakir-Ansari + Marina Marcou-O'Malley · [email protected]

January 5, 2025 at 2:31 PM

Why Fair Taxes are Key to New York's Education and Child Care Goals

  Hi John,   The year ahead is one filled with uncertainty and opportunity. Our leaders in New York must create the conditions necessary for every child to thrive, while…

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  Zakiyah Shaakir-Ansari + Marina Marcou-O'Malley · [email protected]

January 3, 2025 at 2:46 PM

Fighting for Education Justice in 2025 - We Need You

  Hi John,   We’re looking ahead, as we have a real chance to change the future of public education in New York. With a new administration coming in, we need to make sur…

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  Marina Marcou-O'Malley + Zakiyah Shaakir-Ansari · [email protected]

January 2, 2025 at 8:04 PM

Let’s Make 2025 the Year We Invest in Every Child’s Future

  Hi John,   Happy New Year! In 2025, we have the chance to transform early childhood education and child care in New York, ensuring every child gets the strong start th…

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  Zakiyah Shaakir-Ansari + Marina Marcou-O'Malley · [email protected]

December 30, 2024 at 11:29 PM

Your Support Powers Our Movement…Let’s Build On It In 2025!

  Hi John,   As we close out 2024, AQE is reflecting on all that you’ve helped us accomplish for New York’s children and families:  advocating for full funding for our…

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  Marina Marcou-O'Malley · [email protected]

December 18, 2024 at 5:23 PM

Governor Hochul Failed Us - But We're Not Giving Up On Child Care

  Hi John,   Thank you for everything you’ve done this year. Your voice, together with the leadership of strong legislators, helped enact the Presumptive Eligibility Bil…

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  Marina Marcou-O'Malley & Zakiyah Shaakir-Ansari · [email protected]

December 13, 2024 at 8:01 PM

AQE Moved to Bluesky - Here’s Why!

  Hi John,   We know many of you have engaged with us on X/Twitter for years, so if you’ve missed us there this last month, here’s why: we've moved to Bluesky!   With cr…

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  Marina Marcou-O'Malley & Zakiyah Shaakir-Ansari · [email protected]

December 11, 2024 at 1:42 PM

First Mom of New York, but Child Care is Last?

  Hi John,   Governor Hochul has had months to sign critical child care bills that would make life easier for many working families across New York State. But here we ar…

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  Alliance for Quality Education · [email protected]

December 9, 2024 at 7:16 PM

Tell Governor Hochul: Sign the Child Care Bills!

In the final days of the 2024 legislative session, the Legislature passed three important bills that would make child care easier to access for thousands of families across New York State. Now, with 2024 …

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  Alliance for Quality Education · [email protected]

December 6, 2024 at 8:59 PM

Our Kids Deserve Better! Reject Linda McMahon as Secretary of Education

This Thursday, December 5 Donald Trump’s nomination of Linda McMahon for Secretary of Education is a major threat to our nation's public schools, especially its Black, brown, and lower-income students. McM…

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  Marina Marcou-O'Malley + Zakiyah Shaakir-Ansari · [email protected]

December 3, 2024 at 8:54 PM

Invest In the Future of New York’s Students By Supporting AQE’s Advocacy Today!

Hi John,   This Giving Tuesday, let’s remember the power of community in creating lasting change. Amid the many messages you may be receiving today, take a moment to see how your contribution can make a r…

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  Alliance for Quality Education · [email protected]

December 3, 2024 at 1:49 PM

Take Action: Call Governor Hochul on December 5

This Thursday! This Thursday, December 5, the Empire State Campaign for Child Care is organizing a call relay to Governor Hochul’s office, and we're getting the word out to make sure we have a strong, unif…

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  Alliance for Quality Education · [email protected]

December 2, 2024 at 7:37 PM

Call Relay Governor Hochul to Support These Critical Child Care Bills

This Thursday, December 5 This Thursday, December 5, we’re sponsoring a call relay to Governor Hochul’s office — and we need your voice! We’re urging her to sign presumptive eligibility, decoupling, and th…

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  Marina Marcou-O'Malley + Zakiyah Shaakir-Ansari · [email protected]

November 26, 2024 at 6:21 PM

Thank You for Being Part of Our Celebration and This Movement!

  Hi John,   Thank you for being part of this year’s Champions of Education celebration! Your support filled us with hope for the future of education across New York State and will contin…

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  Alliance for Quality Education · [email protected]

November 21, 2024 at 7:20 PM

STATEMENT: Turning Challenges Into Change: Fully Funding Our Children's Future in New York

PRESS STATEMENT Turning Challenges Into Change: Fully Funding Our Children's Future in New York NEW YORK, N.Y. (November 21, 2024) – In response to the general election results, the Alliance for Quality E…

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  Marina Marcou-O'Malley & Zakiyah Shaakir-Ansari · [email protected]

November 13, 2024 at 7:04 PM

Tomorrow: Join us in Celebration of AQE's Champions of Education

November 14, 2024 at 6:30 PM  DCTV Firehouse 87 Lafayette St New York City REGISTER NOW   Hi John,   We're just ONE DAY away from the BIG day of AQE's …

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  Marina Marcou-O'Malley & Zakiyah Shaakir-Ansari · [email protected]

November 8, 2024 at 6:34 PM

Honoree Highlight: New York City Parent Advocates, Adriana Alicea, Tracy Jordan, & Tajh Sutton

You're Invited: AQE's Champions of Education November 14, 2024 at 6:30 PM  DCTV Firehouse 87 Lafayette St New York City REGISTER NOW   Hi John,…

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  Marina Marcou-O'Malley + Zakiyah Shaakir-Ansari · [email protected]

November 5, 2024 at 7:05 PM

Vote Today for Our Schools, Our Kids, Our Future

Hi John,   If you haven’t voted yet, get to the polls by 9PM today and take action for our schools and children’s future. Here’s how you can make a difference: Vote Working Families Party on Row D…

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  Marina Marcou-O'Malley & Zakiyah Shaakir-Ansari · [email protected]

October 31, 2024 at 11:06 PM

Honoree Highlight: The Legacy of Norm Fruchter

You're Invited: AQE's Champions of Education November 14, 2024 at 6:30 PM  DCTV Firehouse 87 Lafayette St New York City REGISTER NOW   Hi John,…

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  Marina Marcou-O'Malley + Zakiyah Shaakir-Ansari · [email protected]

October 29, 2024 at 8:12 PM

Early Voting Is Here, New York!

Hi John, Early voting has begun! If you're eligible, plan to vote early on or before Sunday, November 3, when early voting ends, to avoid any possibility of long lines on Election Day, November 5. This election is crucial not just for the presidency, but also for local and stat…

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  Marina Marcou-O'Malley & Zakiyah Shaakir-Ansari · [email protected]

October 25, 2024 at 5:32 PM

Honoree Spotlight: NYC Council Members Speaker Adrienne Adams and Education Chair Rita Joseph

You're Invited: AQE's Champions of Education November 14, 2024 at 6:30 PM  DCTV Firehouse 87 Lafayette St New York City REGISTER NOW   Hi John,…

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  Marina Marcou-O'Malley + Zakiyah Shaakir-Ansari · [email protected]

October 22, 2024 at 4:21 PM

Vote Early New York!

Hi John, As we approach election day, let’s gear up to vote for a more equitable New York! Check out this voting guide from our friends at the Working Families party, spotlighting endorsed legislators, who align with the values of New York’s working families. In short: #VoteW…

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  Marina Marcou-O'Malley & Zakiyah Shaakir-Ansari · [email protected]

October 18, 2024 at 5:47 PM

Honoree Spotlight: Senator Shelley Mayer

You're Invited: AQE's Champions of Education November 14, 2024 at 6:30 PM  DCTV Firehouse 87 Lafayette St New York City REGISTER NOW   Hi John,…

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  Marina Marcou-O'Malley & Zakiyah Shaakir-Ansari · [email protected]

October 10, 2024 at 12:35 PM

Join Us As We Honor New York’s Public Education Trailblazers!

November 14 in NYC You're Invited: AQE's Champions of Education November 14, 2024 at 6:30 PM  DCTV Firehouse 87 Lafayette St New York City REGISTER NOW   …

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  Marina Marcou-O'Malley · [email protected]

October 8, 2024 at 12:18 PM

Take Action: Shape the Future of Child Care in 2025

Hi John, As federal funding that boosted child care recently may not be renewed, millions of children and families may be at risk of losing access to essential care. Families are facing rising costs, and early educators continue to struggle with low wages. Join us in urging…

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  Marina Marcou-O'Malley & Zakiyah Shaakir-Ansari · [email protected]

October 4, 2024 at 12:39 PM

Join Us For Our Champions of Education Fundraiser!

November 14 in NYC You're Invited: AQE's Champions of Education November 14, 2024 at 6:30 PM  DCTV Firehouse 87 Lafayette St New York City REGISTER NOW   …

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  Zakiyah Shaakir-Ansari · [email protected]

October 2, 2024 at 2:14 PM

3 Days Left to Support Education Justice and Amplify the Voices of Black Women

Hi John, Only three days remain to pre-order the “Listen to Black Women” cut-out necklace, our second collaboration with Brevity Jewelry. This piece is more than just an accessory - it is a call to elevate Black voices at the forefront of education justice. Their insights and …

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  Marina Marcou-O'Malley & Zakiyah Shaakir-Ansari · [email protected]

September 30, 2024 at 10:16 PM

Step Up for Our Schools as Pandemic Relief Ends!

Hi John, It’s time to step up! Today marks the end of federal COVID-19 relief funding for our public schools. The Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief (ESSER) funds have been a game changer, providing crucial support for one-on-one tutoring, after-school program…

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  Zakiyah Shaakir-Ansari · [email protected]

September 26, 2024 at 9:26 PM

Celebrate the Power of Books at the Freedom to Read Family Festival

Hi John, This week, during National Literacy Month and Banned Books Week, we celebrate the power of books and stand up for every student’s right to a high-quality, inclusive public education while pushing back against the rising tide of censorship. Book bans don’t just limit a…

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  Marina Marcou-O'Malley & Zakiyah Shaakir-Ansari · [email protected]

September 24, 2024 at 10:36 PM

Join Us in November for AQE’s Champions of Education Celebration!

You're Invited: AQE's Champions of Education November 14, 2024 at 6:30 PM  DCTV Firehouse 87 Lafayette St New York City REGISTER NOW   Hi John,…

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  Marina Marcou-O'Malley & Zakiyah Shaakir-Ansari · [email protected]

September 20, 2024 at 1:17 PM

New Location Update! Join us for our Champions of Education Celebration

We're excited to return to DCTV on November 14! You're Invited: AQE's Champions of Education November 14, 2024  at 6:30 PM  DCTV Firehouse 87 Lafayette St New York City REGISTER NOW …

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  Zakiyah Shaakir-Ansari · [email protected]

September 18, 2024 at 8:41 PM

Make a Bold Statement: Support Education Justice with our Limited Edition Design!

Hi John, We’re thrilled to announce our second collaboration with Brevity Jewelry, a female-led studio known for their craftsmanship and commitment to design justice. Building on our partnership in 2022, we’re proud to announce a brand new design that embodies our commitment t…

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  Marina Marcou-O'Malley · [email protected]

September 17, 2024 at 12:16 PM

Make the Most of Voter Registration Day: Advocate for Essential Child Care Bills

Hi John,   Today is National Voter Registration Day - a powerful reminder of how we can shape our collective future. Our vision for a strong, inclusive democracy relies on safeguarding public education an…

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  Marina Marcou-O'Malley & Zakiyah Shaakir-Ansari · [email protected]

September 9, 2024 at 4:18 PM

You're Invited! AQE's Champions of Education Celebration

Join us on November 14 in New York City You're Invited: AQE's Champions of Education November 14, 2024 ?at 5:30 PM? Manny Cantor Center 197 E Broadway New York City REGISTER NOW …

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  Marina Marcou-O'Malley · [email protected]

September 3, 2024 at 7:42 PM

Back to School with Just 3 Days Left to Submit Comments on Foundation Aid

Hi John,   With just three days left to submit comments on the Foundation Aid formula update, now is the time to make your voice heard. As the new school year begins, it’s vital that decision-makers under…

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  Zakiyah Shaakir-Ansari · [email protected]

August 30, 2024 at 2:56 PM

As Black August Ends, Our Commitment to Justice Continues

Hi John, As Black August draws to a close, we reflect on the journey we’ve shared over the past month. This period has been a time to honor the legacies of those who have fought - and continue to fight - for Black liberation, equity, and justice, and it commemorates Black resi…

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