First let me say, we hope you had a wonderful Thanksgiving holiday with your families and loved ones.
In the realm of independent schools, the work of diversity, equity, inclusion, belonging, and justice (DEIBJ) remains both essential and challenging. Too often, this work encounters reductive interpretations, missing the profound and loving properties that can truly transform communities.
Yet, as Civil Rights activist Stokely Carmichael, a.k.a. Kwame Ture, reminds us,
“The struggle is never an event, but a continual process…”
At RIISE and Articulating, alongside our member schools, diverse families, and thought leaders, we are steadfast in our commitment to fostering communities where belonging is more than a concept—it’s a practice.
Together, let us continue to explore the vast possibilities for every stakeholder to self-identify and be represented as a valued contributor to school communities whose missions are grounded in DEIBJ principles.
In this newsletter, we delve into the multifaceted world of DEIB within our school communities, unpacking its challenges and celebrating its triumphs. We spotlight the art of college essay writing, the dynamic leadership of Dads of Color, the power of Parent/Educator partnerships, the urgent literacy crisis, and the brilliance of Black girl scholars. Each piece is an invitation to reflect, engage, and act. We hope you find inspiration and insight in these stories—enjoy and don’t forget to share!