Seth Seward’s Post

Black Consciousness Day, celebrated on November 20, is a date for reflection and resistance, but also for celebration and recognition. Beyond being a milestone in the racial struggle, it is an opportunity to remember the richness of black history, recognize structural challenges and reaffirm the importance of valuing the contributions of the black population to Brazil and the world. https://lnkd.in/erzihTHr

“If you do well by Black students, more students will also benefit.” Our Executive Director, Dr. Christopher J. Nellum, spoke with EdSource about how states, districts, and schools can better support Black students. Including Black students, educators, and families in our data collection and policy priorities is essential to our efforts to level the educational playing field. Read the full interview at the link: https://lnkd.in/gvW5rZnk

"What does an organization valuing repair look like?" Thank you for this resonating invitation to reflect, Liberation Ventures. Arts leaders, especially those in first/only roles, are familiar with the strain of the "passion tax" and the harm possible with leadership models that center extractive ambition without limits. Often, self-care and community care initiatives for stakeholders, staff, or even intentional selection of funders are considered optional “soft programming” that may receive press recognition yet lack supportive integration into the organizational structure. For historically marginalized individuals, maintaining restorative practices amid "grind culture" can be especially challenging. Toni Morrison reminded us all: “I tell my students, 'When you get these jobs that you have been so brilliantly trained for, just remember that your real job is that if you are free, you need to free somebody else. If you have some power, then your job is to empower somebody else. This is not just a grab-bag candy game.” Many take this charge seriously at risk to their well-being. Prioritizing ongoing authentic nourishment of staff and community as a daily practice and liberating framework involves proactive communication, systemic repair, trust-building within and alongside your organization, and fostering an authentic care-centered approach where brave conversations are welcome and equity audits, acknowledgment of power dynamics and shared visioning are openly invited. Creative growth can then emerge through systems of belonging cultivated with sustainability and creativity curated in service toward systemic liberation. One of the Practice Wonder workshops I lead for creatives unpacks the concept that cultivating wonder is an act of healing and justice. Personally and professionally, artistic practice by and in service to community-minded care frameworks enriches creative teams, organizations and audiences in narrative change. Behind the campaigns, actions toward repair honors the efforts of professional peers and mentors alike, teams past and future. Each gesture of authentic connection lays the groundwork for sustainable narrative care, repair and, inevitably, a chance for your grandest mission and vision to fully bloom. Healing. Wonder. Care. Repair. The work is the honor to practice. Together. #independentfilm #artworker #healing #dei #lgbtqia

Sending the Elevator Back Down with a Road Map: What Black Educators Need to Become Principals? (Marian University IRB Approved) Are you a Black educator who wants to become a school principal? Your voice is needed! This research study will dive deep into the journey of Black educators and uncover what they need to transition into the school principal role. It will highlight the experiences, challenges, and support systems necessary for Black educators to become principals. I encourage you to complete the Principal Confidence Survey—The Readiness for the Principalship. https://lnkd.in/gW7xhakd

In this paper, Kenneth A. Wesson (CAAASA) offers a timeline summary of how American history impacted Black education. These political events, legislation, court decisions, and cultural and social practices have intersected continuously to undeniably shape the American story and Black experience. https://bit.ly/3UMl6n5

Today is Juneteenth, a recognition and celebration of the freedom of enslaved Black Americans. Take time today to reflect on this important day in history, our nation's progress and the work that must be done to ensure racial justice and equity. To learn more about Juneteenth, visit the online resources from Purdue University at https://bit.ly/3p4nucp.

I’m about to educate real quick: Five years ago, when I decided to get my doctorate in Organizational Leadership, I wrote this on FB: (The subject is Steve Biko’s “Community Improvisational Theory” to dismantle educational systems of oppression) “This was the crux of Biko’s theory: He believed that well-intentioned white liberals failed to comprehend the black experience and often acted in a paternalistic manner. Thus, in order to dismantle, the people of the community have to independently build an improvisational structure that pushes against ‘ceremonial gestures’ of anti-racism (like changing the name of the school to a Black person) as a ‘smoke and mirrors’ illusion that does not build a structure that actually educates students OR dismantle flawed systems. This is essentially what Black Lives matter is suggesting with police systems. ‘Defund’ is improvisational in theory, but there is still a structure in place; just one that doesn’t benefit white privilege.” Then, I was trying to figure out how Black consciousness in education can be built through community and school district efforts. I have now, after studying this theory during my doctorate, figured it out: the first Black organization to build out community literacy, and the first school district to partner with those efforts, will create a “community improvisational” approach much like Oakland NAACP is now doing, and that approach will win in Colorado. Im about to get to work. As I always try to remind, we have theories like this from our ancestors as the blueprint.

If we could quantify the value of Black pain/trauma, degeneracy and disrespect vs the value of Black empowerment, enlightenment and healing - how much more would the former be worth in comparison to the latter, to the corporate, wide society and the Black community?

Call for Participants! I am currently recruiting participants for an important study examining the lived experiences of Black counselors with intersecting minoritized identities in clinical supervision.  This research aims to amplify voices that have been historically underrepresented in our field. Are you: *A Black/African American counselor in training *Currently pursuing your masters or doctoral degree in a Counseling program *Navigating multiple minoritized identities *Recently received/receiving clinical supervision Your perspective is invaluable. Participation involves a 90-minute interview, and your insights will help shape the future of culturally responsive supervision practices. If you meet the criteria or know someone who might, please review the attached flyer for complete details. Your contribution could make a meaningful impact in our field. Your voice matters! For questions or to participate, please contact the PI or scan the QR code in the flyer.

A couple of weeks ago, the Black Economic Alliance (BEA) Foundation, released a new Policy Agenda to Advance Black Work, Wages, and Wealth. This policy roadmap, informed by expert research and the lived experiences of Black Americans, targets barriers to economic opportunity and outlines actionable steps for policymakers to drive Black prosperity and grow the entire economy. Learn more: https://hubs.li/Q02lX7p60