In this inspiring episode of The Silk Stocking Sisters Podcast, we explore the transformative effect and lasting impact that teachers can have on their students lives. We're honored to be joined by Alethia West, a dedicated educator and former administrator for the NYC Board of Education. Ms. West shares her journey, from her early days teaching in the Bronx to her leadership role in one of the largest school systems in the country.

Ms. West opens up about what it meant to be one of the few teachers of color in a predominantly Black and Hispanic school. Her authenticity, honesty, and deep care for her students allowed her to build powerful, genuine relationships with her students. She emphasizes how a teachers presence and how they "show up" can shape how students engage with their education and, ultimately, with their future.

Join us for a conversation that dives into the importance of representation, the need for students to feel seen, heard, and valued, and the enduring influence of educators who lead with empathy. Be sure to subscribe to The Silk Stocking Sisters podcast on the ALIVE Podcast Network app for more episodes!

On this episode of The Silk Stocking Sisters Podcast, we're joined by Claude L. Dallas Jr., an Adjunct Professor at National College in Cincinnati, Ohio, and proud native of Lincoln Heights, Cincinnati. Mr. Dallas shares a moving story of responsibility, resilience, and the power of community. He reflects on how the weight of expectation became a source of strength, shaping him into a focused and determined leader. Raised in a family and community that deeply valued education, he emphasizes the essential role his community played in both his personal and professional success.

Together, we explore the transformative impact of education, not just as a path to opportunity, but as a catalyst in shaping individuals and strengthening society. We also discuss the importance of parental advocacy and how a strong support system can create lasting change for future generations. Mr. Dallas states the unwavering support of his family and community made all the difference in his life.

Join us for a conversation about the power of support systems, the enduring influence of strong values, and the transformational impact of education. Be sure to subscribe to The Silk Stocking Sisters podcast on the ALIVE Podcast Network app for more episodes!

Welcome to another episode of The Silk Stocking Sisters Podcast. In this special episode, our host, Dr. Theresa J. Canada, shares her personal journey as a Black educator in the Northwest Local School District, located in the suburbs of Cincinnati, Ohio.

As one of only three Black teachers at the Cincinnati school, Dr. Canada reflects her experience and the significance of being hired full-time amidst a growing population of students of color. She provides insight on the critical role representation plays in shaping a student's future and their ability to achieve success. Her decision to teach 4th grade was influenced by her own childhood experiences and her commitment to being a positive role model. This episode dives into how diversity among educators and an inclusive curriculum can transform and improve the educational experience for all students.

Tune in for a powerful reflection on the lasting impact of representation in education. Be sure to subscribe to The Silk Stocking Sisters podcast on the ALIVE Podcast Network app for more episodes!

Thank you for joining us for another episode of The Silk Stocking Sisters Podcast. We are honored to be joined by Professor John C. Brittain, an esteemed lawyer, civil rights advocate, and current Professor of Law at the University of the District of Columbia David A. Clarke School of Law. In this episode, Professor Brittain utilizes his extensive expertise to unpack the legal distinctions between de jure and de facto segregation and to discuss the legacy of the Sheff v. ONeill case. Filed under the Connecticut State Constitution, Sheff challenged the racial and economic segregation caused primarily by housing patterns and district boundaries.

In this honest and reflective conversation, we confront the uncomfortable truth about how district boundary lines have been and continue to be used as tools for enforcing segregation. We explore the implementation of magnet schools and the practice of busing students of color from their urban neighborhoods to predominantly white suburban schools as a proposed solution to segregation. Access to a better education often meant students of color had to leave their communities behind and adapt to environments that werent built for them. Together, we ask an important question: What can be done to improve schools in urban districts so that students dont have to leave in order to succeed?

Join us for an honest, thought-provoking conversation about education, equity, and the ongoing struggle to fulfill the promise of equal opportunity for all students. Be sure to subscribe to The Silk Stocking Sisters podcast on the ALIVE Podcast Network app for more episodes!

In this insightful episode of The Silk Stocking Sisters podcast, we welcome Kim Michelle Janey, who made history as Bostons first woman and first Black mayor. She currently serves as the President and CEO of Economic Mobility Pathways in Boston, Massachusetts. Ms. Janey shares her early experiences of growing up in Roxbury, Boston and reflects on the prevalent racial and systemic inequities that shaped the citys educational history. As we delve into Boston's history, we spotlight the advocacy efforts of the Black Independent School Movement, a community-driven initiative supported by philanthropy from Bostons Jewish community, and the METCO voluntary busing program.

This episode we discuss the power of advocacy and the importance of parental involvement. Ms. Janey highlights the impact of community organizing and the pivotal role of Black women and parents in the fight for equity. We also examine the current threats to our education system, including curriculum censorship, book banning, and the erasure of critical historical events. This episode we call for action and forward movement. Ms. Janey shares her insights on the need to lay a new foundation that prioritizes and invests in our children, our communities, and our schools.

Tune in for a candid conversation about transforming education and building an equitable future. Join the conversation and be sure to subscribe to The Silk Stocking Sisters podcast on the ALIVE Podcast Network app for more episodes!

Thank you for joining us for another episode of The Silk Stocking Sisters Podcast. In this intimate conversation, we discuss systemic inequities in education and how neighborhood demographics can shape access and opportunity. Were honored to speak with our special guest, Dawn Ballou-Anderson. Mrs. Ballou-Anderson is a graduate of the Physician Assistant Program at Emory University School of Medicine and is currently a Physician Assistant at Grady Health System in Atlanta for the past thirty years.

This week, we continue our conversation about the desegregation of schools in the North, focusing on Buffalo, New York. Mrs. Ballou-Anderson shares her story of growing up in a gang-ridden neighborhood in Buffalo, New York and navigating both the public and Catholic school systems. She reflects on the academic disparities between the two, the lack of teachers of color, the experience of being the only Black student in her 8th-grade class, and the racism she encountered from white peers in high school. Her story is one of unwavering resilience. She opens up about the transformative impact of mentorship in her early years, sharing how one supportive adult can change the trajectory of ones life.

Join us for an intimate conversation that sheds light on the many obstacles faced by Black students and the strength it takes to persevere in the pursuit of equity and excellence. Be sure to subscribe to The Silk Stocking Sisters podcast on the ALIVE Podcast Network app for more episodes!

Welcome to another episode of The Silk Stocking Sisters podcast. In this episode, we pause to reflect on our journey and examine the historical relevance of each conversation we've had so far. This podcast was inspired by the powerful narratives explored in my book, Desegregation of the New York City Schools: A Story of the Silk Stocking Sisters. My goal has been to educate, inform, and spark meaningful conversations about America's racial history, specifically, the often overlooked realities of school desegregation.

One of my students once shared that they had no idea desegregation occurred in the North. That moment became the catalyst for launching this podcast. It continues to drive my passion for educating others and sharing the often untold stories behind the fight for educational equity.

We want to thank all of our special guests. Were grateful to the educators, activists, journalists, legal professionals, etc. who have joined us to share their experiences. Through their stories, weve been able to honor historical truths and explore the human side of this complex history.

Join us as we continue to explore the challenges, triumphs, and lasting impact of desegregation in the North versus the South. Remember to subscribe to The Silk Stocking Sisters podcast on the ALIVE Podcast Network app for more episodes!

As we continue our exploration of the northern experience of desegregation, this episode focuses on the racial history of Ohio. We are honored to welcome Laura Meckler, national education writer for The Washington Post and author of Dream Town: Shaker Heights and the Quest for Racial Equity. With her extensive coverage of news, politics, policies, and the people shaping Americas schools, Meckler offers thoughtful analysis and fresh perspective on the complexities of educational and racial equity. In this episode, we discuss why she wrote Dream Town, what the book reveals about Shaker Heights, and the process behind bringing these important stories to life. Meckler shares both personal and professional insights into the realities of desegregation and how Shaker Heights navigated integration.

Thank you for tuning in, we're grateful to speak with someone who not only understands these issues but also uses her platform to raise awareness. Be sure to subscribe to The Silk Stocking Sisters podcast on the ALIVE Podcast Network app for more episodes!