To discuss ways to reduce further learning disruptions during the COVID-19 pandemic and racial injustice unrest within the United States, the Center for American Progress (CAP) and EduColor have teamed up to launch the #WeBuildEDU campaign.
As part of the campaign, educators of color detailed their experiences with school shutdowns at the start of the pandemic, discussed the ways in which their teaching changed and suggested how schools should look during the reopening process to better serve all students.
José Luis Vilson, executive director of EduColor, emphasized that educators of color are experts beyond holding racial conversations.
“Right now, we are in the midst of not only a pandemic but also a global uprising along racial lines,” he said. “Now [this campaign allows] you to listen to those educators who are often at the most marginalized schools, who are often with the most marginalized students and who offer those perspectives of student needs and challenges.”
The campaign showcased both videos and written stories for each of the educators. These educators include adults who interact with young people throughout the school day such as guidance counselors, librarians, crossing guards, teachers and administrators.
As schools began shutting down in mid-March, Brigette Cottman, an assistant principal in the Baltimore City Public School system, witnessed communication issues between the schools and their families due to educational disparities.
Equity issues such as food and housing insecurity and a lack of access to technology have been further brought to light by the racial injustice protests.
