Interview: Black Mothers on Parent Activism, Self-Determination and the Fight for Educational Change Post-Pandemic
This conversation marks the latest installment in our ongoing series of comprehensive 74 Interviews (peruse our complete archives). Noteworthy recent interviews include discussions with Former NYC City Council Speaker and leading candidate for Mayor Christine Quinn on her efforts to assist homeless students during the pandemic, journalist Paul Tough on the impact of class and race in the pursuit of higher education, and researcher Gloria Ladson-Billings on the importance of culturally relevant teaching.
Throughout the late 19th century, Black women have increasingly taken on prominent leadership roles in organizing efforts within their communities. Whether through their involvement in churches, beauty shops, bus stops, or schools, they have spearheaded coalitions that have brought about significant change, contributing to some of the most influential social movements in our history.
In more recent times, we have witnessed Black women like Stacey Abrams, a powerhouse in the fight for voting rights in Georgia, emerge as the driving force behind political organizing. This has unequivocally demonstrated that when Black women lead, entire communities reap the benefits.
Drawing on the groundwork laid by trailblazers such as Annette "Polly Williams," a pioneer in parent choice, and Fannie Lou Hamer, a champion of civil and women’s rights, Black mothers have taken up the mantle in the movement for educational equity. These mothers refuse to accept the status quo and are actively leading organizing efforts in their communities to ensure that all students have equal access to quality educational opportunities.
Alisha Thomas Morgan, a parent activist, emphasizes the vital role of parents in education and education policy. She firmly believes that without the input of parents, our students will never achieve the progress they deserve. According to Morgan, parents possess a deep understanding of what is best for their children, surpassing the expertise of educators, delivery systems, policies, or laws.
A SXSW EDU panel titled "Mothers Stand Up: The Rising Voice of the Black Mother" will delve further into these issues. The panel will feature Alisha Thomas Morgan, an author, entrepreneur, and former Georgia state representative, alongside Deirdra Reed, a policy and advocacy partner at The New Teachers Project, Ashley Virden, the founder of Education Freestyle, and Lakisha Young, the founder and CEO of The Oakland Reach. This enlightening session will be broadcast on March 10 at 2 p.m.
The panel was expertly moderated by Mimi Woldeyohannes, special projects and community manager. Woldeyohannes had the opportunity to engage in a deeper discussion with these four remarkable women regarding the future of parent activism and the indispensable role of Black parents in the movement for educational equity in a post-pandemic world.
Please note that the interview has been condensed and edited for clarity and length.
: Could you provide us with more insight into your involvement in the parent activism movement and share your vision for parent organizing in your respective regions?
Ashley: My journey into parent activism began when I became frustrated with the frequent suspensions my son faced while still in pre-K. Determined to find a solution, I dedicated myself to understanding the root causes of this issue and working towards rectifying it. I continue to advocate because I personally experienced the failures of the public school system, and I am determined to ensure that my children do not face the same challenges. Our ultimate goal is to foster a sense of community among families and educators, bridging the gap between home, school, and the wider community. By working together, we aim to establish realistic expectations and hold each other accountable.
Lakisha: The Oakland REACH comprises mothers, grandmothers, and fathers who have been failed by the system and refuse to let that failure define our children and grandchildren. Through our work, we demonstrate what is possible when the system listens to parents and trusts them to understand the needs of our kids. Over the past five years, our team has utilized our personal and professional experiences to advocate for quality education through various means. We have engaged in over 5,000 one-on-one conversations with parents in underserved communities in Oakland and have trained nearly 400 families through our family fellowship program. This has allowed us to form a team of informed and organized parent advocates who fight for quality schools. Our mobilization efforts have resulted in significant achievements, such as the passage of legislation called The Opportunity Ticket, which establishes priority enrollment. Additionally, we have created a citywide literacy coalition with over 30 partner organizations, focusing on literacy initiatives for the entire family. In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, we swiftly established the Citywide Virtual Family Hub to provide comprehensive support and high-quality instruction for families. With each phase of our work, we not only make a tangible impact on the ground but also increase our influence in local and national conversations about what constitutes a quality education.
Deirdra: As a single mother, I have firsthand experience navigating the public education system not only for myself but also for my siblings and my own children. Early on, I realized that the system was flawed and deliberately marginalized the role of families and communities in supporting children’s educational outcomes. That’s why I have been involved in organizing for a long time, and now I am working with TNTP to create empowering spaces where parents and communities can come together to address the issues within this broken system. My vision is to establish parent organizing centers that address the concerns of parents in real-time. We want to answer the question: How can we change schools right now? While there may be issues that parents are unaware of, a true democracy allows parents to critique the system from their perspective and offers them alternative perspectives on what is possible. Through TNTP, we are dedicated to providing resources to parents who are concerned about their child’s educational experience. Individual parents, students, and parent organizations can visit our website to access our reports on how schools can better support student learning and download our advocacy tools.
: What do you believe is the current and ideal purpose of education?
Ashley: In the midst of the chaos we are experiencing, I believe that the ultimate purpose of education is to provide the necessary support for children and families, not only academically but also socially and emotionally.
Lakisha: We are simply asking for a fair chance, a chance to compete in college and in careers. However, even before the impact of COVID-19, less than 30 percent of Black and brown students in Oakland schools were reading at grade level. This means that children growing up near Silicon Valley have no opportunity to secure good jobs there. It is a terrible failure. We should not have to fight so hard for quality education and equal opportunities.
Alisha: Currently, it seems that the main purpose of education is to maintain a system designed for a different era. It focuses on creating employees who can memorize information for tests. However, the ultimate purpose of education should be to nurture critical thinkers, innovators, problem solvers, and compassionate individuals who can lead our communities and nation into the future. I hope that our education system becomes more relevant by teaching students not only core subjects but also about the world around them. They should learn to be global citizens who contribute significantly to science, industry, technology, and humanity. Furthermore, I envision a day when schools also provide practical life lessons such as personal finance, homeownership, taxes, and time management. This way, we can help students become responsible adults who can navigate the world effectively.
Deirdra: Paola Freire encapsulates it perfectly: education is never neutral. It either serves to maintain conformity or to foster freedom. From my perspective, the K-12 education system has largely become about promoting conformity. We have failed to reimagine education on a large scale in a way that goes beyond creating future workers or prisoners. Many students, intentionally deprived of information and skills, are forced to choose between conformity and freedom. Only the elite have access to knowledge that encourages critical analysis of the world we have inherited. This is the essence of a caste system. Thus, I am grappling with the idea that our education system upholds the American caste system. My hope for the educational system is that it embraces the power of children and communities. Education is not limited to schools; it is everywhere, as evidenced by the pandemic and platforms like TikTok. To me, education is inherently social and political. It aims to provide young people with information so they can engage with the world and find their place in it. It should be rooted in love and justice, addressing systemic biases and "isms" while creating space for students to learn and generate ideas based on their learning.
: What are your thoughts on the increasing visibility of parent activism in education policy spaces, such as the creation of the Powerful Parent Network? How has the pandemic affected parent empowerment as they played a more active role in their children’s education?
Ashley: I am immensely grateful for the growing visibility of parent activism in education policy spaces. The Powerful Parent Network and other parent groups have done an outstanding job of demonstrating what is possible when parents come together to demand better. They have shown us how we can reimagine education for the benefit of our children. As for the pandemic, it has forced parents to take a front row seat in their children’s education, leading to a greater sense of empowerment. Parents have become more actively involved in shaping their children’s educational experiences and advocating for their needs.
Alisha: The importance of parents’ involvement in education and educational policies cannot be understated. They are the ones who truly understand what is best for their children and have the highest aspirations for their success. It is crucial that parents have a strong and influential voice in the efforts to bring about change. The pandemic has actually helped parents gain a greater appreciation for teachers and education, as well as a deeper understanding of their children’s needs. It has also given them the opportunity to be more involved in their children’s learning and within the school system. Moving forward, it is my hope that parents will only become stronger and more powerful post-pandemic.
Deirdra: However, we must not idealize the pandemic or the role of parents, especially those who are working and facing financial difficulties. These parents are fighting to survive in a challenging economy while also dealing with racism and ill-informed policies, both in schools and in life. While it is true that parents have a better understanding of the shortcomings of the education system, it is important to recognize that many parents are unorganized and need support in navigating an education system that was not prepared for this crisis. We must ensure that all parents have access to their basic needs and are connected and supported throughout this process. Perhaps the silver lining is that families have the power to choose where their children receive education. Districts and school leadership will have to make efforts to meet the needs of these families if they want them to return.
: The decision of whether or not to reopen schools is a difficult one for many parents. While school closures have disproportionately affected Black and brown children’s mental health and academic achievement, many families who need in-person education the most are hesitant to send their children back. Black parents, in particular, have expressed concerns about the lack of trust in public school systems. It is worth noting that a higher percentage of white parents are in favor of schools reopening compared to Black parents. So, how can districts and networks gain the trust of Black families during the pandemic?
Ashley: It is encouraging that parents now have a say in the decisions being made. Districts need to improve communication and involve parents in the decision-making process. They must make a deliberate effort to listen to parents and find meaningful ways to implement their suggestions. This is also an opportunity for districts to be more transparent about what is happening in education.
Lakisha: Frankly, too much of this conversation is focused on returning to "normal," which is not what our parents want. Going back to a system where only a small percentage of Black and brown students are reading at grade level is not a solution or a victory. If the education system wants to regain our trust, they need to present a real plan for providing high-quality instruction to our children. We have already demonstrated that it is possible to achieve academic gains, whether through virtual or in-person learning, with initiatives like our Citywide Hub. We have seen significant improvements in literacy levels and have expanded our program to reach more students. If the education system wants our trust, they must match or surpass what we have accomplished on our own.
Related: Breaking the Norm: How Two Principals in Washington D.C. Restored the Trust of Black Parents in Sending Their Children Back to School
Deirdra: Instead of merely relying on "trust," parents and families require "power" and the opportunity to participate in decision-making processes at both the district and school levels. If districts continue to hold onto all the power and make decisions without the input of parents, there can be no real dialogue, thus resulting in a lack of trust. If district leaders genuinely want to involve Black students and families in the education system, they must invite them as equals rather than treating them solely as "consumers."
RelatedReality Check: What Will It Take to Reopen Schools Amid the Pandemic? 5 Experts Provide Insights on School Choice Options for Families
: What are Black families expressing regarding their preferred approach to educating their children moving forward?
Ashley: It’s interesting to hear stories about Megyn Kelly withdrawing her children from their private school due to its left-leaning stance and emphasis on social justice in education. For Black families, it is of utmost importance for us to educate our children through a social justice lens.
Lakisha: Our families have legitimate concerns about returning to school and perceive it as accepting failure. We have experienced a global crisis that completely disrupted the education system, yet it feels like nothing will change. They want to know how they can continue to provide their children with high-quality instruction, similar to what they obtained from our Hub, once schools reopen. They also desire hybrid options to choose the best approach for their children. Furthermore, they recognize that any successful education model should address both the academic and socio-economic needs of families. Simply giving a student a laptop and assuming it will work is insufficient. The laptop should come with tech support and computer training for families. Our Hub encompassed all of these aspects — each student received a computer, households in need were provided with hotspots, family liaisons were available, tech trainings and support were provided, and we organized family workshops with stipends. And it was successful! During the summer, our Hub had an 83 percent attendance rate, in comparison to the district’s 35 percent attendance rate in the spring. Additionally, we achieved a 90 percent parent satisfaction rate.
Alisha: According to a survey conducted by the Coalition for Parent School Options, 70 percent of Black parents nationwide want virtual educational options to be available post-pandemic. More than 70 percent also desire the ability to choose their children’s educational experience regardless of their location. Parents who were able to explore non-traditional educational experiences for their children have come to realize that the one-size-fits-all model is no longer necessary. It is crucial that we take the lessons learned during the pandemic and commit to never returning to the traditional education system.
Deirdra: The movement for Black Lives is making a lasting impact on the world, particularly within the Black community. The phrase "Black Lives Matter" is now making its way into the realm of education. Initially, this was focused on issues of school discipline and the presence of police in schools, but now it also extends to school curriculum and representation of teachers and faculty. The internet has served as a platform to reveal what has not been taught in schools, prompting questions about who is teaching and from whose perspective. This framework has allowed students and their families to challenge the narrative of the dominant culture and question what is expected from the education system. It remains to be seen whether schools can simply return to "normal." At TNTP, we are launching a project called "Elevating the Voices of the Community" that aims to provide parents and students of color with a platform to discuss their lived educational experiences. We want to hear MORE from these families and community members and assist them in addressing their collective educational concerns. If you are interested in connecting with us or know a parent or student who could benefit from this project, please ask them to reach out by texting "SPEAK" to 797979.
Related74 Interview: Atlanta Thrive Co-Founder on Advocating for Every Child, Ensuring Presidential Candidates Recognize the Right of Underprivileged Parents to Choose & Engaging with Thousands of Households
: What advice would you give to Black parents at this time?
Ashley: Parents, do not hesitate to ask for the support you need. We do not have to pretend that everything is alright and that we have everything under control, all the time. We must remember that our children are observing us, and now is an excellent opportunity to show them how to build resilience as a community, so that we can collectively overcome this dual pandemic.
Alisha: Persist. Keep inquiring. Trust your instincts and recognize that YOU possess the expertise when it comes to your child. Don’t feel intimidated by the abbreviations or the abundance of "data" used. While they are important, you know what is ultimately best for your child. We only have one opportunity to get this right for our children. Be fearless in pursuing what you believe is the best for them. Both you and your child deserve it!
Deirdra: Don’t give up! I firmly believe that we have the capacity to bring about change in these flawed systems. However, it will require a dual approach. Firstly, we need to establish new frameworks that demonstrate that change is possible. Secondly, we must advocate for policy adjustments that support and solidify the changes we desire.
