8 Black Hands

At an unprecedented time where the coronavirus is changing life for everyone, we decided to take it head on. We discuss everything from how families are coping to the inactivity of the president. This is a time where we all must step up for each other. Take a listen. 

Also, the Patreon is live. Check it out here: www.patreon.com/8BH

This was a special live episode. We got to spend time in Little Rock and it was amazing. Huge shout out to the Reform Alliance for bringing us out. We covered a ton in this episode including everything from holding your elected officials accountable to interest convergence. It was great.

Also, check out our new Patreon where you'll get more episodes, videos, and other exclusive contact. Check it out at Patreon.com/8BH.

Twitter: @8BlackHands1

In this episode, we discussed the viral video where a 6 year old girl is arrested and the fellas have some pretty strong takes. Then we shift our attention to the latest news from the presidential elections before analyzing the current state of ed journalism. It was a fun show. We were joined by Marquis Evans, a teacher in West Oakland doing amazing work to go beyond the classroom and engage his parents in new ways. Enjoy. 

Many schools and districts are announcing that they want more diversity in the teacher workforce. Far less are moving mountains to ensure the teaching and learning conditions for Black and Brown students and staff are anti-racist environments and conducive for people of color. We have two guests, Ramon DeJesus, Director of Diversity Development in Cambridge Public Schools and Dr Robert Simmons III, Executive Director of the Black Educator Initiative for Urban Teachers. Both of these educators are renowned for their work in educator diversity and development. Enjoy. 

You all are in for a treat. As the title suggests, we covered a ton of topics. Dr. Watkins came on the show and did not disappoint. Join us as we discuss educating Black folks, economics, politics in academia, the importance of Black ownership and more! This episode was a revelation. 

In this episode, the fellas chat with the CEO of Baltimore City Public Schools, Dr. Sonja Santelises. They discuss a wide range of topics including Baltimore's push for equity, improving over time, and changing the narrative of Baltimore. Take a listen, leave your thoughts, and share. 

Happy Black History Month!! In this episode, Charles and Sharif dive into a lot! The fellas start by highlighting a few Black leaders that meant a lot to each of them personally. Then the fellas veer into a video by Jason Riley called Blacks in Power Don't Empower Blacks (no endorsement either way). Click the link to watch the full video. It raised an interesting debate point for the fellas as they then debated whether we can have a movement today at the same magnitude as Malcolm, Martin, and Rosa. Some interesting conversation there. So join us in our living room and leave your thoughts. We appreciate you. 

Man, this was a tough one. Recorded just hours after the tragic news of Kobe Bryant's death, the fellas got a chance to reflect. Life is short, love hard. Afterwards, we dive into the recent report put out by Brightbeam, The Secret Shame: How America’s Most Progressive Cities Betray Their Commitment to Educational Opportunity for All. This was special as our very own Chris Stewart, CEO of Brightbeam, commissioned the report. 

Enjoy.

In this episode, the fellas got to travel to New Orleans to the amazing inaugural National Parents Union Parent Power 2020 Summit. The fellas discussed themes of parent agency and why parents must be at the forefront of improving our educational inequities. It was an amazing conversation that we were privileged to have at a historic event. 

Take a listen and let us know your thoughts. 

In this episode, the fellas take on 2 different issues. First, we discuss a school fight that went too far and resulted in a mother getting a black eye and then we dive into the difference between California textbooks and Texas textbooks. That's right, exact same company, same book name, different facts. We told you it was madness, right? 

Also, Ray has released the first episode to season 2 of his Edupurist Podcast. Check that out. As always, leave us your thoughts. We appreciate everyone that takes the time to listen.