Katie's Fight - From George Floyd to Banned Books

Send us a text

What happens when an African-American fifth-grade social studies teacher brings an ambitious Black History Month project to a predominantly white school? In our much-anticipated return to "Just Being Brothers," we sit down with Katie, a dedicated educator and advocate for education reform, who shares her compelling journey and the unexpected resistance she faced. Her story not only highlights the intricacies of navigating diversity, equity, and inclusion in education but also underscores the broader issues of banned books and the challenges of teaching under today's heightened scrutiny.

Katie’s resilience shines through as she recounts a tense encounter over a classroom mural, which led to a restorative circle led by the school principal. Employing the fishbowl technique, Katie and other administrators addressed the concerns and questions of fellow educators and stakeholders. Through this dialogue, Katie passionately defends the mural’s intent and advocates for teaching difficult historical truths. Her reflections on the George Floyd era and her commitment to representing diverse narratives provide a poignant reminder of the enduring importance of inclusive education.

As we wrap up, we explore the shifting attitudes toward education across generations. Katie offers valuable insights into the loss of neighborhood schools and the growing disconnect between educators and their communities. We discuss the need to rekindle pride in education and the role of teachers in making learning relevant and engaging for today’s youth. Join us as we bid a heartfelt farewell with our guest, Katie, and extend our gratitude to all our listeners. This compelling episode will challenge and inspire you to rethink the landscape of education. Don’t miss it!