Black Boys in White Spaces - Helping Educators Build Awareness and Practical Solutions

Show Notes
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“People have tried to put critical race theory above equity. And to say any word that has any sort of association with a diversity, equity, inclusion theme, that is critical race theory. And it's a bad thing and your kids are being indoctrinated. Your kids are being taught to hate America. And so it does make it challenging,” explains Dr. Sheldon L. Eakins, Ph.D. Dr. Eakins is the Founder of the Leading Equity Center and host of the Leading Equity Podcast. He is also the author of Leading Equity: Becoming an Advocate for All Students. He has over 11 years of experience working in education and uses his background and lived experience to help other educators accomplish equitable practices in their schools. Today, he talks with host D-Rich about how educators can build awareness and practical solutions to racism in schools.

Students of color are represented higher in special education classes and disciplined harsher than their white counterparts. White teachers who do not have a lot of experience with teaching Black and Brown children tend to struggle to relate or to know what to do to make these students more comfortable in school. This is especially true in rural communities and in states like Idaho, where Dr. Eakins resides, that are putting restrictions on what educators can teach their students and what books they can assign in the classroom. It is important for educators to check their biases and recognize the unique challenges that students of color face, so that they can teach content that is relevant and relatable to them.

Educators should take extra time to ensure that they are fostering a safe and inclusive learning environment for all students regardless of what demographics they are. There is no quick and easy bullet point style solution, but Dr. Eakins has created a framework in his book that can be beneficial for educators to follow. In a time when education related to race and equity are being challenged by law, it is more important than ever to ensure that students of color have the support they need.

Quotes

• “Whoever's in your classroom, whatever demographics they are, what community they serve, especially in our black communities, we need to make sure that the content that we're providing is relevant and relatable to them.” (11:29-11:40 | Dr. Eakins)

• “White teachers will reach out to me and say, ‘Sheldon, I need a list of strategies in order to reach my Black and Brown kids in my classroom. I don't know how to relate.” (28:22-28:32 | Dr. Eakins)

• “The reality is a lot of our teachers aren't comfortable with talking about race.” (36:38-36:41 | Dr. Eakins)

• “People have tried to put critical race theory above equity. And to say any word that has any sort of association with a diversity, equity, inclusion theme, that is critical race theory. And it's considered a bad thing and your kids are being indoctrinated. Your kids are being taught to hate America. And so it does make it challenging.” (39:35-39:52 | Dr. Eakins)

Links

Connect with Dr. Sheldon L. Eakins, Ph.D.:

Website :https://www.leadingequitycenter.com/

Podcast : https://www.leadingequitycenter.com/podcast

Book Leading Equity: Becoming an Advocate for All Students: https://www.amazon.com/Leading-Equity-Becoming-Advocate-Students/dp/111984097X

K-12 Youth Episodes by Southern Soul Livestream:

https://www.southernsoulthursdays.com/category/k-12-youth/

20 Diversity Equity and Inclusion Activities to Do with Your Team: https://www.leadingequitycenter.com/dei-activities-playbook

Dr. Eakins is passionate about helping educators accomplish equitable practices in their schools. He specializes in assisting educators in thinking through lesson plans and activities that consider their students' cultural identities. Dr. Eakins earned a B.S. degree in Social Science Education, an M.S. degree in Educational Leadership, and a Ph.D. in K-12 Education.

Sheldon L. Eakins, Ph.D., is the Founder of the Leading Equity Center and host of the Leading Equity Podcast. He is also the author of Leading Equity: Becoming an Advocate for All Students. With over 11 years in education, he has served as a teacher, principal, and Director of Special Education.

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