Fellow parents, we can’t morph into teachers over a weekend. Let’s give ourself some compassion.
Author: ShaRhonda Knott-Dawson
White People: Here’s Why Moving to a “Good School” in a “Good Neighborhood” Is Racist
Many White folks, especially northern white liberals who voted for Obama, would argue they are not racist, even while they actively cause harm to Black folks by their racist actions. Since so many people don’t know what racism is or how they are racist, here are three racist things that northern White liberals do: Engage in “White flight”—when poor Black…
Fighting for Justice Still Kills Black People; White Allies, Do Your Share
I woke up this morning to two stories dominating my news feed. First, the sudden death of the beloved Black congressman and justice fighter from Baltimore, Elijah Cummings. Second, enthusiastic support for the Chicago Teachers Union strike. I saw the face of their campaign, Stacy Davis Gates, fiercely handling the media and countering Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot. To many of…
How Black Communities Can Come Together to Support Our Youth This Summer
Too often, SummerTimeChi means kids aren’t safe. But undesirable behavior doesn’t make our kids bad–they’re bored. Our communities can create programs to keep kids safe and out of trouble. I’m starting one myself.
Thanks, Mayor Lightfoot, for the Feminist, Anti-Racist Messages Your Fashion Choices Send CPS Kids
For Chicago Public Schools students, what is appropriate clothing is a huge issue. While about 80% of CPS schools have a dress code or uniform policy, students themselves usually have very little say in decisions about what clothing is considered appropriate at school. In CPS, school rules about clothes range from simple guidelines like white tops, navy bottoms, to…
You Got Your GoCPS Letter. Now What?
The moment has arrived! You got your CPS results. Before you do anything else, take a deep breath. Remember, GoCPS is largely a lottery system and the results in the letter you received this week have little to nothing to do with the academic potential of your child. These letters say much more about the educational system in Chicago,…
What ‘Surviving R. Kelly’ Means for My Black Daughters and the Schools They Attend
As the Black mother of two Black girls, I am always acutely aware of how Black girls are harmed in this society. However, there are some moments in America, when it is amplified that me and my girls, are truly at the bottom of the totem pole of those deemed in need of protecting. This weekend, the Lifetime docu-series, “Surviving…
How to GoCPS for Elementary School, Part 2: The Application
Welcome to how to use GoCPS! In case you missed Part One, here’s what to do to get up to speed. Read my earlier blog post and make a list of at least 10 schools you want to apply to for your child. Today’s post (and my Facebook Live webcast) will walk you through the application process itself, so you…