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Summary Dr. Tairan Qui joins me as co-host for this conversation that explores the personal and professional experiences of educators, Laura Ouk and Amy Okimoto, focusing on their cultural identities, the importance of community, the necessity of advocating for Asian American history in education, and the role of personal experiences in shaping the educational practices of Asian American educators. They also highlight legislative efforts to include Asian American history in school curricula as well as the challenges posed by the current political climate. They discuss the challenges faced in the education system, the significance of affinity groups, and the need for culturally responsive teaching. In this conversation, educators, Laura Ouk and Amy Okimoto, also emphasize the need for cross-cultural education, the significance of the Cambodian American Studies Model Curriculum, the role of educators as activists in advocating for truth, inclusivity in education, and the collaborative efforts to create inclusive educational resources. They believe that integrating Asian American stories enriches the curriculum. Furthermore, they argue that educators must navigate political challenges to teach truth because teaching history is a form of resistance against oppression. The conversation concludes with reflections on hope and the future of Asian American students and teachers.

Takeaways

• Personal experiences shape educators' approaches to teaching.
• Cultural identity plays a significant role in advocacy work.
• Asian affinity groups provide essential support for educators.
• Legislative changes can drive educational reform.
• Creating inclusive curriculum is necessary for representation.
• Integrating Asian American stories enriches the curriculum.
• Public access to resources fosters inclusivity in education.
• Cross-cultural education helps unite diverse communities.
• The Cambodian American Studies Model Curriculum is groundbreaking.
• Educators must navigate political challenges to teach truth.
• Teaching history is a form of resistance against oppression.

Legislation, Books, and Teacher Resources Mentioned:

• TEAACH Act (Teaching Equitable Asian American Community History)
• Watercress by Andrea Wang
• Front Desk Book Collection by Kelly Yang
• Social Studies for a Better World: A Guide for Elementary Educators by Noreen Naseem Rodríguez and Katy Swalwell
• The Asian American Education Project – lesson plans and professional development

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Summary 

In this conversation, Tiffany Nyachae and Ruqayyah Simmons discuss the importance of literacy among Black boys and the initiatives taken through the nonprofit organization Black Boys Read Too, Inc. They explore their personal connections, the journey into education, and the significance of providing new books that reflect the experiences and identities of Black boys. The conversation highlights the challenges faced in literacy education and the need for representation and mentorship in fostering a love for reading. They discuss the challenges of literacy in education, emphasizing the need for innovative approaches that incorporate play and representation. They explore the significance of community engagement through programs like barbershop book clubs, which aim to create safe spaces for young boys to read and express themselves. The conversation also highlights the importance of celebrating joy in literacy and the ongoing efforts to change the narrative around reading for Black boys.

Takeaways

• The importance of community engagement in education.
• Black boys often lack access to engaging reading materials.
• New books with Black protagonists can inspire young readers.
• Representation in literature is crucial for identity formation.
• Community spaces like barbershops can promote literacy.
• The role of mentors in encouraging reading among boys.
• Intentionality in book selection is key to engagement.
• Literacy challenges often stem from systemic issues in education.
• The transition from learning to read to reading to learn is critical.
• Black boys deserve high-quality educational resources.  
• Literacy challenges in education require systemic solutions.
• Incorporating play into literacy can enhance engagement.
• Representation in literacy materials is crucial for young readers.
• Innovative programs can inspire a love for reading.
• Creating safe spaces allows boys to express their literate identities.
• Celebrating joy in literacy fosters a positive learning environment.
• Community involvement is essential for literacy initiatives.
• Organizations can focus on both fixing problems and celebrating successes.
• Engagement through diverse activities can make reading more appealing.

Sound Bites

"Black boys deserve the best."

"We never want it to be just an afterthought."

"Books are a way for boys to see themselves."

"Play is kind of the backbone for learning."

"We wanted to change the narrative."

"We celebrate joy and have fun together."

"It's a passion project."

"Creating safe spaces for our boys to read."

Other Ways to Stay Connected and Support Black Boys Read Too, Inc.

• Black Boys Read Too Instagram
• Barbershop Book Club Video
• Amazon Wish List

Book Series and Book mentioned in this Episode:

• Future Hero Series by Remi Blackwood
• Future Hero: Race to Fire Mountain by Remi Blackwood

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Summary

For this episode, I am in conversation with fellows, Chris Hosey and Kaiyre Lewis, and Executive Director, Markus Flynn of the Minnesota-based organization, Black Men Teach, to explore the significance of Black male teachers in education, focusing on their experiences, challenges, and the support provided by the organization. My guests also share personal stories about their journeys into teaching, the importance of representation, and their beliefs about education as a means of liberation. They emphasize the need for supportive conditions that allow Black male teachers to thrive and the impact they have on their students and communities. Additionally, my guests discuss the transformative impact of Black Men Teach, emphasizing the importance of community support, addressing generational trauma, and defining what it means for Black male educators to thrive. They highlight the need for instructional coaching and support in educational environments, the challenges faced by Black male teachers, and the future vision for expanding the program's reach and impact.

 Takeaways

• Black male teachers play a crucial role in education.
• Representation matters for both students and teachers.
• Education should be viewed as a liberating force.
• Supportive networks are essential for teacher retention.
• Joy and passion in teaching can transform classrooms.
• Black Men Teach provides mentorship and community support.
• Personal experiences shape teaching philosophies.
• Building relationships with students is key to success.
• The journey to becoming a teacher can be challenging but rewarding.
• Creating conditions for Black male teachers to thrive is vital. 
• There's a strong sense of community and support within Black Men Teach.
• The program offers significant benefits, including financial support for education and home ownership.
• Generational trauma affects the comfort and safety of Black and Brown students in educational settings.
• Black male educators often face higher expectations and less support compared to their peers.
• Defining 'thriving' for Black male educators involves support in health, wellness, and belonging.
• Instructional coaching is essential for all teachers, and it should not be seen as a sign of failure.
• The retention of Black male educators is critical to addressing educational disparities.
• Black Men Teach aims to create a supportive environment for Black male educators.
• The future vision includes expanding the program to have a nationwide impact.

 Sound Bites

 "I love working in education."

"Education is liberation."

"This is a pipeline for Black male teachers."

"This is not a job to me."

"I enjoy doing this."

"I want to give all my kids the tools they need."

"I belong here."

"We need more Black male teachers."

"Failure with them is not an option."

"Receiving instructional coaching doesn't make you a failure."

"We need Black Men Teach everywhere."

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Summary 

For this episode, I am in conversation with Dr. Nathaniel Bryan, author of the book, Toward a BlackBoyCrit Pedagogy: Black Boys, Male Teachers, and Early Childhood Classroom Practices. We explore the complexities of Black boyhood studies, the importance of relational engagement in education, and the impact of anti-Black misandry on Black boys. We also discuss the need for early childhood educators to understand these dynamics and challenge misconceptions about Black male teachers. The conversation emphasizes the brilliance of Black boys and the necessity of providing support for Black male educators, while also rethinking the role model narrative often associated with Black boys. Additionally, Dr. Bryan advocates for a shift in how literacy is assessed and taught to better reflect the rich cultural backgrounds of Black boys. Our conversation also highlights the necessity of centering Black boys' perspectives and experiences in educational practices to foster their authentic selves and promote their well-being. Furthermore, although Black male teachers serve as critical role models for Black boys, we discuss the importance of recruiting Black male teachers who are connected to the communities of Black boys.  

Takeaways 

• Focusing on Black boys uplifts all marginalized children. 
• Complexity in Black boyhood studies is essential.
• Anti-Black misandry affects educational practices.
• Early childhood education must address anti-Blackness.
• Black male teachers are more than disciplinarians.
• Black boys possess brilliance that needs recognition.
• Misconceptions about role models for Black boys need to be challenged.
• Understanding the unique experiences of Black boys is vital.  
• Recruiting teachers from within the community enhances educational outcomes.
• Black boys need to be seen as whole individuals, not just problems to be solved.
• Literacy assessments must honor the diverse ways Black boys express their literacies.
• Authenticity in the classroom allows Black boys to thrive.

Books and Articles mentioned in this Episode:

• Solutions For Anti-Black Misandry, Flat Blackness, and Black Male Death: The Black Masculinist Turn by T. Hasan Johnson
• Understanding Critical Race Research Methods and Methodologies: Lessons from the Field edited by Jessica T. DeCuir-Gunby, Thandeka K. Chapman, and Paul A. Schutz
• We want to do more than Survive: Abolitionist Teaching and the Pursuit of Educational Freedom by Bettina L. Love
• "Spirit-Murdering the Messenger: The Discourse of Fingerpointing as the Law's Response to Racism" by Patricia Williams

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Summary

In our conversation, Richie Wills and Dr. Joseph Derrick Nelson explore themes of Black boyhood, diverse masculinities, and the role of Black male teachers (and other educators) in supporting the growth and development of Black boys. They discuss the importance of creating safe spaces for expression, countering negative narratives, and embracing cultural responsiveness in education. The conversation highlights the richness of Black boyhood, the need for kindness and community, and the challenges posed by societal expectations and stereotypes. This conversation considers the challenges and opportunities surrounding Black boys in educational settings, focusing on the impact of societal norms of masculinity, the importance of play, and the need for supportive environments that foster positive masculinity. Additionally, guests emphasize the necessity of recognizing and celebrating the diverse expressions of being among Black boys, advocating for educational practices that honor their childhood and allow them to thrive both socially and emotionally.

 Takeaways

• Black boyhood is diverse and rich with imagination.
• Educators play a crucial role in supporting Black boys.
• Creating safe spaces allows for authentic expression.
• Counter narratives can challenge negative stereotypes.
• Cultural responsiveness enhances student engagement.
• Diverse masculinities should be welcomed and celebrated.
• Kindness among Black boys often goes unnoticed.
• Implicit biases affect perceptions of Black boys.
• Celebrating creativity and joy is essential in education.
• The norms of masculinity can be restrictive and harmful.
• A supportive school environment can enhance boys' emotional well-being.
• Positive masculinity can be fostered through kindness and collaboration in classrooms.
• Black boys' play is often misread as disruptive or problematic.
• Play is essential for Black boys' development and should be encouraged.
• Educators need to recognize the value of Black boys' expressions and interactions.
• Black boys should be allowed to explore their identities without fear of judgment.
• The presence of Black male teachers can positively impact Black boys' educational experiences.
• Childhood should be preserved for Black boys, allowing them to dream and play freely.
• Educational systems must challenge stereotypes and create inclusive environments for all children. 

Essay mentioned in this Episode

• "A Place Where The Soul Can Rest" by bell hooks from her book, Belonging: A Culture of Place

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Summary
For this episode, Dr. Josephine Pham of the Mai Pedagogy Project interviews Dr. Tiffany M. Nyachae about the Evolving Education Project, its origins, and the importance of creating a platform for diverse voices in education. Their discussion also covers how topics and guests are selected for the podcast, listener engagement, and future visions for the project. They also emphasize the power of podcasting as a medium for dialogue and knowledge sharing, particularly among Communities of Color.  In this engaging conversation, Tiffany and Josephine explore themes of connection, sisterhood, and the importance of writing partnerships in academia. They reflect on their shared journeys, the vulnerability of sharing scholarly work, and the affirmation they find in each other's support. The discussion highlights the interplay between community engagement and scholarship, emphasizing the value of dialogue in creating knowledge. As they look towards future collaborations, they express gratitude for their relationship and the impact it has on their personal and professional growth.

Takeaways

• The Evolving Education Project aims to bridge the gap between academia and community practitioners.
• Podcasting allows for intimate conversations that honor oral traditions in Communities of Color.
• Selecting topics for the podcast is driven by personal interests and the desire to amplify voices of Color.
• Engagement from listeners has been surprising and heartwarming, showing the impact of the podcast.
• Future plans include expanding into TV series and documentary reviews to further explore educational themes.
• The podcast is a space for love, respect, and solidarity among Communities of Color.
• Tiffany values the contributions of her former students and co-hosts in shaping the podcast.
• The importance of creating accessible knowledge in education is a core mission of the project.
• Tiffany's approach to podcasting is informed by her experiences as a scholar and educator.
• Building a supportive team is essential for the sustainability of the Evolving Education Project. 
• Listeners are deeply considered and appreciated.
• Sisterhood provides strength and support in challenging times.
• Writing partnerships can enhance personal and professional growth.
• Vulnerability in sharing work fosters deeper connections.
• Affirmation from peers is crucial for confidence in scholarship.
• Community engagement enriches academic work.
• Dialogue is essential for knowledge creation.
• Future collaborations can expand the impact of their work.
• The importance of being succinct in communication is emphasized.
• Gratitude for shared experiences strengthens relationships.

Previous Episodes and Book mentioned in this Episode

• S2:E13: "Dr. Nyachae, Where You Been!?"
• Reclaiming the Multicultural Roots of U.S. Curriculum: Communities of Color and Official Knowledge in Education by Wayne Au, Anthony L. Brown, and Dolores Calderón
• S1:E5 A Dialogue with Asian and Asian American Women: Responding to the Moment
• S2: E26 Interlude: Should We Abandon the Term "People of Color" as an Identifier?
• S2:E23 A Gathering on Reservation Dogs (TV Series Review) - Part 1 of "Honor

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Summary
In this episode, we are in conversation with youth leaders, Jeremiah Salazar and Joelle Hennington-Jeffries, and staff member, Joseph Williams of the Police Free LAUSD Coalition to discuss the criminalization and overdisciplining of Black students in the Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD). The Police Free LAUSD Coalition aims to improve schooling conditions for Black students and emphasizes the importance of community involvement and racial equity. We discuss how the Coalition has been successful in improving schooling conditions for Black students, such as, banning the use of pepper spray by school police against students. Importantly, guests argue that change for students doesn’t happen without concern for their families and communities.

Takeaways
School safety must be reimagined without police presence.
Funding Black futures is a priority for the coalition.

Film and Petition mentioned in this Episode

• SIGN this petition to defend Black students in LAUSD and protect the Black Student Achievement Program (BSAP) by putting the BLACK back in BSAP!
• 13th Documentary

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Summary
For this episode, I am in conversation with Dr. Ariana Denise Brazier, Diana Gamez, Professor Damien M. Sojoyner, and Luma Hasan; four of the book contributors inThe Promise of Youth Anti-Citizenship: Race and Revolt in Education edited by Drs. Kevin L. Clay and Kevin Lawrence Henry Jr. We explore the concept of anti-citizenship, particularly in relation to youth and their experiences within educational systems. Guests discuss how anti-citizenship serves as a framework for understanding the struggles faced by marginalized communities, particularly for Black, Salvadoran, and Palestinian youth. They highlight the importance of play and community organizing as forms of resistance and survival, and examine the intersections of racial capitalism and citizenship. This conversation delves into the complexities of nation-state development, racial capitalism, and the implications of anti-Blackness in migration dynamics. Guests also explore the fragility of these systems and the role of education in shaping citizenship. Finally, they discuss the importance of collective action and community resilience in the face of systemic oppression, emphasizing the need for a reimagined understanding of citizenship that transcends traditional frameworks.

Takeaways
Anti-citizenship provides a framework for understanding youth experiences.
Play is a vital form of resistance for marginalized youth.
The concept of citizenship is often misleading and exclusionary.
Racial capitalism shapes the experiences of Black youth in education.
Community organizing is essential for creating alternative structures of justice.
The narratives of Salvadoran youth are often criminalized and misunderstood.
Youth are capable of navigating oppressive systems through their own agency.
Education systems often perpetuate violence against marginalized communities.
The historical context of citizenship reveals deep-rooted inequalities.
Healing can occur through naming and contextualizing experiences of oppression. 
The fragility of nation-state development is a constant concern.
Racial capitalism intertwines with the logics of race.
Education serves as a critical tool for social order.
Anti-Blackness is foundational to the racial order in cities like Los Angeles.
Migration patterns are influenced by U.S. foreign policy and violence.
Rejecting citizenship's assimilation is vital for marginalized communities.
Educators play a crucial role in challenging oppressive systems.
Collective action is essential for dismantling state power.
Community resilience can thrive outside state structures.
Understanding our collective power is key to liberation.

 Sound Bites
"This is a healing journey for me."
"I am forever grateful for the timeliness of it (anti-citizenship framework)."
"Anti-citizenship became a gift."
"They (Black youth) know what's going on."
"They (Black youth) fight their own battles."
"They (Black youth) were able to create these spaces of thriving."
"There is no true participation within the civic."
"Education is tied to the hip with the civic."
"There's no acceptable way to be disruptive."
"We need to be bound in community."

Books and Scholars Referenced in this Episode: 

• Militant Education, Liberation Struggle, Consciousness: The PAIGC education in Guinea Bissau 1963-1978 by Sónia Vaz Borges
• Ruth Wilson Gilmore

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Summary
For this episode, I am in conversation with Drs. Kevin L. Clay and Kevin Lawrence Henry Jr., editors of the book, The Promise of Youth Anti-Citizenship: Race and Revolt in Education. We discuss the narrow confines of citizenship as defined by the state, especially in terms of what constitutes the ‘good’ citizen versus the ‘bad’ or ‘deviant’ citizen. We also uncover the complexities of civic engagement, recognizing political strategies beyond voting, and the need for collective action and engagement in radical organizations. Additionally, we emphasize the need for solidarity and collective action to combat the divisions created by racial capitalism. Explored are the impacts of social proximity on understanding shared struggles and the sacrifices required for true activism. Our conversation culminates in a reflection on the role of love and relationships with youth as a sustaining force in the work.

Takeaways
Traditional civic education has limitations.
Civic institutions are designed to maintain the status quo.
Black resistance is diverse and multifaceted.
Voting is just one aspect of citizenship.
Protests often go unheard, leading to civic estrangement.
The state often does not represent the interests of marginalized communities.
Class dynamics are crucial in discussions about Black capitalism.
The transition to middle-class civics can create divisions.
Solidarity is essential for collective action against anti-citizenship.
Understanding anti-citizenship requires a focus on collectivity.  Being in right relationship and solidarity is critical.
We lose the ability to be in solidarity when we are not in community.
Sacrifice and discomfort are often required for solidarity.
Understanding our shared fate is essential for collective action.
The shift in social proximity affects our understanding of community.
We must actively build relationships to understand our neighbors' struggles.
Ignoring global issues impacts our local communities.
Investing in radical organizations is crucial for social change.
Love sustains and propels us in our activism.

Books, Articles, and Scholars Referenced in this Episode: 

• Black Marxism: The Making of the Black Radical Tradition by Cedric J. Robinson
• Closed for Democracy: How Mass School Closure Undermines the Citizenship of Black Americans by Sally A. Nuamah
• Black Bourgeoisie: The Book That Brought the Shock of Self-Revelation to Middle-Class Blacks in America by E. Franklin Frazier
• "Black Curriculum Orientations: A Preliminary Inquiry" by William Watkins
• Adolph Reed
• William Julius Wilson

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Summary
Dr. Tiffany M. Nyachae and Dr. Ruth M. López question the utility of the identifier “People of Color” and whether we should abandon it as a term of unspoken solidarity and political strategy given the recent social media uproar around the fact that a large percentage of Latinos voted for Trump in the 2024 presidential election. In this conversation, they reflect on their experiences as Women of Color and the challenges of navigating social media discussions around race and solidarity. The dialogue emphasizes the need for nuanced conversations about identity, solidarity, and responsibility in the face of anti-blackness and other forms of oppression while offering necessary pathways forward. The conversation also delves into the fragility of masculinity in discourse, the exhaustion of political engagement, and the need for critical conversations around voting and accountability. They emphasize the importance of unpacking terms like “Black and Brown” and the oversimplification of voting demographics in media narratives. As they explore the complexities of racial identity, particularly the term "People of Color" and its implications, they discuss the historical context of this term, its evolution, and the importance of solidarity among marginalized groups. The conversation highlights the challenges of collective advocacy, the need for clear communication, and the significance of teaching future generations about solidarity and social justice. Ultimately, they emphasize the importance of understanding individual and collective identities while navigating the complexities of race and politics.

Takeaways
Social media can amplify voices but also complicate discussions.
Anti-blackness exists within various communities and must be addressed.
Racial identity is not monolithic; it varies across individuals.
Political choices can have profound impacts on Communities of Color.
Terminology like “People of Color” can obscure real differences in experiences.
Education is crucial in understanding historical and systemic issues.
Conversations about race and identity require trust and vulnerability. 
There's a responsibility to document stories in our communities.
Assumptions about Latinx identities often lack historical context.
Voter fatigue is a real issue in political engagement.
Voting is just one part of a larger political project.
Terms like “Black and Brown' need careful unpacking.
Media oversimplifies the complexities of voting demographics.
Historical context is crucial in understanding racial terms.
Solidarity among marginalized groups is essential for social change.
Teaching children about solidarity is vital for future generations.
Racial terminology has evolved and continues to change.
The narrative around racial identity is often messy and complex.
Conversations about race should be ongoing.

Articles and Books Referenced in this Episode: 

• "Anti-Black Latino Racism in an Era of Trumpismo" by Jasmine M. Haywood
• "'People of color' are Protesting. Here's what you need to know about this New Identity" by Efrén Pérez 
• The Miner's Canary: Enlisting Race, Resisting Power, Transforming Democracy by Lani Guinier and Gerald Torres
• "'People of Color' as a Category and Identity in the United States" by Paul Starr and Edward P. Freeland

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