Critical race theory in education, K-12 classroom practices, the impact of COVID-19 pandemic on the mental health of school communities, and the importance of self-advocacy on college campuses, were a few topics discussed during the Inaugural Education and Practice Conference hosted by the Alpha Phi Alpha’s Iota Upsilon Lambda Chapter in partnership with the Alpha Scholarship and Charitable Foundation. This year, the one-day event – February 5th – centered around the theme, “What’s Next? Possibilities and Probabilities in the Future of K-12 Education”.
The conference organized by disability studies scholar and education professor, Dr. Antonio L. Ellis, featured the likes of – among others – world renowned Critical Race Theory (CRT) in Education Scholar and professor emerita at University of Wisconsin Madison, Dr. Gloria Ladson-Billings; dean emerita at Howard University School of Education and author of Jim Crow's Pink Slip: The Untold Story of Black Principal and Teacher Leadership , Dr. Leslie T. Fenwick; visiting professor at the Howard University School of Education, Dr. Carol Moye; and Virginia Union University’s provost and senior vice president, Dr. Terrell L. Strayhorn. 
Dr. Jason Ottley
In his keynote address “The Condition of Education for Black Educators and Achievers: History, Belonging, & Resilience,” Strayhorn highlighted the importance of higher education faculty and staff connectivity to students as a way of enhancing students’ feelings of belongingness. He defined belongingness in higher education as “perceived social support on campus, a feeling or sensation of connectedness, and the experience of mattering or feeling cared about, accepted respected, valued by, and important to the campus community or others on campus such as faculty, staff, and peers.”
To further contextualize and define belongingness, Strayhorn stated “a sense of belonging is a basic human need, a fundamental motivation, sufficient to drive behaviors and perceptions. Its satisfaction leads to positive gains such as happiness, elation, well-being, achievement, and optimal functioning. Given its significance in various social contexts, as well as its consistent association with positive health, and social and psychological outcomes, I think its importance cannot be stressed enough.”
Dr. Gloria Ladson-Billings vigorously expounded on her newly released book titled Critical Race Theory in Education: A Scholar's Journey. Ladson-Billings sought to clear up some of the confusion and misconceptions that education researchers have around race and inequity. Beginning with her groundbreaking work in the mid-1990s up to the present day, Ladson-Billings disclosed both personal and intellectual history of CRT in education.
