“If you see something that is not right, not fair, not just, you have a moral obligation to do something about it.” These words from the late honorable John Lewis echoes in my mind as I think about the work we do here at EPiC through our PAAC initiatives. I often wonder “am I doing […]
In the EPiC “Black Parent Empowerment Series, part II” of Access to Advanced Academics, we began with an overview by Senior Program Strategist, Charity Gunn who shared context on the work done with Durham Public Schools and Black Parent Leaders last year around this topic and the data point from 2018-19 that showed areas of […]
In these trying times amidst a global pandemic, economic recession and the constant onslaught of violence against Black people, it is important for us to find joy and remain focused on our mental health. The media cycle is a perpetual reel of violence, depression and death, only adding to the burdens we all face in […]
On June 16th, we gathered for our final PAAC Durham meeting and celebration to close out another school year. We would like to publicly thank all the Black parents/guardians who chose to be a part of the Parents of African American Children Committees in their school. Some notable programming and advocacy include: Over 70% of […]
Black Parent Leader Collaborative is a coalition of Black leaders and people of color “in community” who advocate for race equity in education. Our mission has been to make space for Black and Brown community leaders in various organizations to strategically plan ways of operating, co-existing, co-sharing and collaborating for the benefit of marginalized community […]
Empowered Parents in Community are a group of parents/guardians who want the same educational opportunities for Black children as anyone else. In 2016, a group of parents with Black children came together to better understand the “achievement gap” at their public school. At that time, parents and guardians were confused with the reason there was […]
Black Parent Leader Collaborative is a coalition of Black leaders and people of color “in community” who advocate for race equity in education. Our mission has been to make space for Black and Brown community leaders in various organizations to strategically plan ways of operating, co-existing, co-sharing and collaborating for the benefit of marginalized community […]
When a student says they cannot exhibit playful behavior and know that they will be disciplined more severely than their peers, and the child is only in 4th grade, it is heartbreaking. When you have a parent who endures In School Suspension (ISS) to “prove her son wrong” only to be horrified that his assessment […]
Research reveals that when children are taught with a “growth mindset,” their teacher(s) have high expectations and uphold an increased academic rigor for all students. As a group, the Empowered Parents in Community (EPiC), rely on this research as a guiding principle. This principle is also a key component for the work of Parents of […]
Requests shared with DPS School Board members: EPiC’s Black Parent Leaders shared feedback and follow up with the District following our workshop. Check out the video. (Public comments begin at 32 minutes) Below, is the written request to our school board members for accountability. Academic success has also been a prioritization for parents and guardians […]