Which Americans are losing faith in the value of college?

Our students deserve much more than the scarcity "either/or" and "take what you can get" approaches that our education system is serving them....

What funders should do to support black founders: Part 1

Last month, I wrote about the need for white folks who are looking for ways to address racial injustice in America to support black founders. I challenged funders and individuals to make big investments in the organizations and initiatives that black leaders create. After reading my article, a few funders asked me to talk in …

Tools for students and parents fighting against racism in their schools

This post is for those who are tired of asking for people to acknowledge 400 years of black pain in America.  This post is for those who know that our education system works in tandem with our criminal justice system to devalue black lives.  Our school leaders and policymakers shouldn't have needed to see George …

You asked what white folks can do. Support black founders.

After the latest spate of black pain and protests interrupted the white gaze, there seems to be a great white awakening afoot. I'm not quite sure what was particularly poignant about this round of lynchings but folks are starting to connect the dots between 400 years of oppression and our present condition. And like Ibram …

If you’re mad about riots you don’t really understand black pain

A few months ago, I watched the movie Just Mercy and, for yet another time in my life, I felt the strangest of feelings.  A part of it was the feeling of sadness and deep pain as I watched innocent black men being snatched from their families and fast-tracked to death row without evidence.  Another …

What students say about COVID-19 and remote learning

With school buildings in Delaware now closed until the end of the academic year, it is more important than ever that educators and policymakers understand how remote learning is working for students. Earlier this week, I had the pleasure of moderating a panel of students from across the state of Delaware where they shared their thoughts …

How “woke” white folks block black women’s progress

It's Women's History Month and this is your friendly reminder that black women are undermined, underappreciated, and outright mistreated in this country.  Black women are the breadwinners. They are “the most active voting blocs in the US electorate.” They are community-builders and the unsung heroes of the civil rights movement. They are the United States’ …

The Delaware school board controversy nobody is talking about

Delaware school boards have been in the news recently for all the wrong reasons. But the most alarming school board controversy is getting no attention.  Several articles have been written about offensive comments made during Odyssey Charter School board meetings and the corresponding backlash. Christina school board member Fred Polaski’s “take ‘em away from mom” …

University of Delaware’s president owes Delaware students an apology

University of Delaware's (UD) President Dennis Assanis owes the talented and hardworking students of Delaware an apology.  In response to a question during the recent Joint Finance Committee meeting about why fewer than 40% of the school's students come from Delaware, President Assanis explained:  “I am not the one holding back the kids in Delaware …

‘Tis the season for a big gift we don’t want from education insiders

It's that special time of year again. While some of us are sound asleep, things are being packaged and wrapped up neatly with a bow for us. But during this season of giving, what if the surprise package that awaits is unwanted or is not beneficial for us? As someone who works to empower everyday …