Embrace the Art of Resistance this Black History Month
February is Black History Month, and in a serendipitous alignment, it also marks my two-year anniversary as the President of the Institute for Educational Leadership (IEL). I’m honored to be IEL’s first Black President, an organization that is a majority BIPOC staff (70%) and Board (90%), leaders dedicated to “develop and connect adults and youth leaders who strengthen communities and education systems in pursuit of equity.”
My IEL anniversary falls on Valentine’s Day, which carries significance for me, because we at IEL view our work as “love in action.” This means listening to our partners and colleagues, adapting our practices based on shared learning, and prioritizing what works best for the communities we serve.
Currently, our communities are telling us that youth are in crisis, and the education system is grappling with unprecedented challenges. Chronic absenteeism is rampant, particularly among Black student populations. Adolescent mental health is deteriorating, and the impact of community violence, exacerbated by the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, disproportionately affects non-white students in impoverished communities.
It is crucial to recognize that none of these challenges are the fault of our youth. When students miss school, it often stems from circumstances beyond their control — transportation, family responsibilities, and/or proper resources to thrive academically. Systematic underinvestment in communities of color has left children and their families without access to housing, healthcare, affordable childcare, and quality student supports both inside and outside of school.
So, what can we, as leaders in education, communities, and positions of power, do to address these issues? This year, the official theme of Black History Month focuses on African Americans and the Arts, with the National Museum of African American History & Culture highlighting the “art of resistance.” For me, there is no better way to practice love in action than through the concept of the art of resistance.
We must resist the systems that perpetuate educational inequity and disproportionately impact Black communities. The art of resistance involves challenging the status quo, advocating for change, and creating spaces where Black voices are heard and valued. It means coming together in our communities against the interests of organizations that don’t take our people into account, or loudly rejecting policies that harm our children and institutions of public education. It’s about acknowledging the historical context that shapes the struggles faced by Black youth today and working collectively to dismantle systemic barriers.
Education leaders, policymakers, and communities must collaborate to address the root causes of challenges like chronic absenteeism, mental health epidemics, and community violence. By investing in comprehensive support systems like Community Schools, Family Engagement, and youth empowerment, we can ensure that every student has access to a safe and nurturing environment conducive to learning.
This Black History Month, commit to embracing the art of resistance. Let’s amplify the voices of Black artists, activists, and educators who have paved the way for change, and led revolutionary paths for love — for all children and people but especially our Black brothers and sisters. Through culturally responsive education, mentorship programs, and community engagement, we can foster an environment that empowers Black youth and dismantles the barriers hindering their success.
As I celebrate my two-year anniversary with IEL, I am reminded of the incredible journey we have embarked upon together. By practicing love in action, we can create a future where every child, regardless of their background, has the opportunity to thrive. This Black History Month, let our actions speak louder than words as we embrace the art of resistance to create a more equitable and inclusive education system.