'Twas the week before Christmas, and you still haven't done your holiday shopping yet. But hold your reindeer! We've got a special bonus episode featuring Christine Platt, author of the Afrominimalist guide to Living with Less. 

This is a must-listen for those who wish to tackle overconsumption and inspire their students to embrace a more minimilast and intentional lifestyle!

ABOUT CHRISTINE PLATT

A multi-genre author and advocate for representation and inclusion, Christine Platt has carved a unique path in literature, lifestyle, and wellness. Also known as the Afrominimalist, Christine’s work centers on honoring Black voices and experiences—past, present, and future. She holds a B.A. in Africana Studies from the University of South Florida, M.A. in African and African American Studies from The Ohio State University, and J.D. from Stetson University College of Law. 

Christine’s literary works include the influential adult titles 'The Afrominimalist’s Guide to Living With Less' and 'Rebecca, Not Becky', and the beloved children’s series that teaches kids about media literacy, 'Frankie & Friends'. Her multifaceted career in advocacy spans working as a Senior Policy Advisor for the U.S. Department of Energy to Managing Director of American University’s Antiracism Center to Director of Communications for Rihanna’s nonprofit, The Clara Lionel Foundation.

Christine is a member of the Association of Writers and Writing Programs, Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators, Association of Black Women Historians, and the Association for the Study of African American Life and History. She also serves as an Ambassador for Smithsonian’s National Museum of African American History and Culture.

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Have you contemplated sending your student to an all-Black school? Patricia Hogan Williams is Head of the Imani School, the largest black independent school in the U.S. Founded in 1988, the school serves 100% African American students and emphasizes faith, confidence, and self-belief. Williams highlights the importance of setting high expectations and providing a nurturing environment that fosters academic excellence and self-worth. The school's curriculum includes African American history and literature, aiming to instill pride and competence in students. Williams stresses the critical role of education in empowering black children and the need for intentionality in their learning environment. 

ABOUT PATRICIA HOGAN WILLIAMS

A graduate of Fisk University, Patricia Hogan Williams has more than 40 years of experience as an educator with students from preschool classrooms to university campuses. She is the Founding Head and Executive Director of The Imani School — now the largest independent, predominantly African American private Christian school in the nation, serving students from preschool through eighth grade. Williams continues to be the driving force behind the school’s progression, prevailing at the school’s helm since 1988. The institution has grown to include more than 350 students across pre-kinder, elementary, and middle school grade levels, receiving national and international recognition for its success in developing self-confidence and academic excellence in African-American children.

Mrs. Williams also serves as an adjunct professor in Child Development at Texas Southern University, where she helps sow into the next generation of educators. For her commitment to improving the lives of children and youth, Williams has received numerous honors and awards including: U.S. News and World Report’s “Twelve Indispensable Americans''; “Current History Maker” by KHOU –TV; the Distinguished Woman Award from Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Incorporated; Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church’s Audrey A. Lawson Impact Award winner; the American Heart Association Award of Excellence as well as its Outstanding Educator Award; the National Association for Financial Assistance to Minority Students’ Outstanding Educator Award; Links, Inc. Western Area for Outstanding Services to Youth; Texas Southern University Award for Excellent Service; and the Community Service Award from the Top Ladies of Distinction.

Williams is the wife of Attorney Connie B. Williams, and the proud mother of three sons, Brian, founder of Step Afrika, the first professional company dedicated to the tradition of stepping; Christopher, owner of Lucille’s Hospitality Group, which includes nationally acclaimed restaurant Lucille’s and its non-profit Lucille’s 1913; and Benjamin, the co-owner of Highway Vodka, the country’s first of its kind spirit crafted with hemp seed.

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When was the last time you read for 30 minutes straight? Uninterrupted? Ramon Javier, Head of School at George Jackson Academy, joins Articulating to discuss the importance of literacy in academic success, developing empathy, and building critical thinking skills. Listen for strategies on how to foster a love for reading not only for your scholar but also yourself! 

ABOUT RAMON

Ramón is a lifelong New Yorker, proud of his Afro-Latinx roots. A member of Prep for Prep, Ramón graduated from The Hackley School, Williams College, and received his Ed.M from Teachers College, Columbia University. He worked for Prep for Prep, The TEAK Fellowship, KIPP, Packer Collegiate, and The Trinity School in a variety of leadership roles. He also served on the NYSAIS Diversity Committee for six years. 

Ramón sits on the boards of the International Boys' Schools Coalition, the New York State Association of Independent Schools. He is also a  member of the Education Committee of the Grace Church School Board of Trustees and sits on the Advisory Board of Parents In Action. Ramón is in his third year as Head of School at George Jackson Academy.

Gina and Sam sit down with Summer Love and Gabby Mclain, co-presidents of the Black Student Coalition (BSC), a thriving network serving over 500 students across New York and New Jersey.

Dr. Kay De Simone, a wealth mindset coach and complex trauma psychotherapist, joins Articulating to discuss the concept of imposter syndrome in the context of independent schools. Imposter syndrome is often fueled by external factors such as societal biases and institutional practices rather than individual shortcomings. 

Dr. De Simone shares tools and strategies families can use to support their children so they can build confidence and resilience, and also self-advocate in educational settings.

ABOUT DR. DE SIMONE

Sam Osborne and Gina Parker Collins explore the growing trend of engagement events at Martha's Vineyard, a popular vacation destination for Black families. They discuss how it has become a hub for conferences, workshops, and networking opportunities that foster community and education. 

The co-hosts also celebrate two significant milestones: the 15th anniversary of RIISE (Resources In Independent School Education) and the 5th anniversary of the Articulating podcast. 

Graduation season is upon us, students--are you ready for life after independent school. Gulp. Life coach Alexa Juanita Jordan joins us to discuss potential challenges that independent school alumni may encounter in adulthood and strategies for overcoming them.

Alexa is a certified life coach and writer. Her new book, THE START OF IT ALL, is now on sale! It's a 20-something's guide to resilience, empowerment, and authenticity at the dawn of adulthood, featuring questions for self reflection paired with anecdotal stories from her 20s.

Alexa has written several full-length and one-act plays and has been published in Smith and Kraus’ Best Women’s Stage Monologues of 2022, and is also a Premiere Stages Play Festival Semi Finalist.

In addition to writing and coaching, Alexa has also explored careers in marketing, development, arts administration, education, and theater performance.

She also designed Authentic by Alexa, a downloadable guide that Alexa created to make her signature process more accessible. It’s full of journal prompts, visualization exercises, and personal anecdotes. 

Join Alexa for her free weekly drop-in discussion group, “Authenticity Tuesdays” every Tuesday from 8 - 9:00 PM EST on Zoom. She created this space to chat with people about what authenticity means to them, and how we can cultivate more of it. Check out some of the past prompts here. 

While gender inclusivity has made strides in independent schools, transgender students still face challenges in achieving a "normal" school experience. Mimi Shelton joins us to discuss trans belonging.

Does it seem like every parent thinks their child is "gifted"? Well, they might be right! Even if the grades don't show it.

Gina went on location and visited the Roeper School,

Christopher comes to Roeper from Toronto, having previously served as Head of Academics and Upper School at Bayview Glen and as Director of Curriculum, Research, and Uni Partnerships at the University of Toronto Schools.

Fun fact. Or serious fact. Christopher has been a member of the Canadian Army Reserve since 1991 now serves as the Senior Instructor at the Canadian Army Command and Staff College in Kingston, Ontario.

In recent years, schools have launched major initiatives and strategic plans around DEI. How do they hold themselves accountable to their commitments? Keeniun Brumskill joins us to discuss equity audits.

Keeniun is the Executive Director of Community and Social Impact for the Ethical Culture Fieldston School which has locations in Manhattan and the Bronx.