On Friday, March 12, author Ijeoma Oluo was in conversation with Bexley staff members during part of their professional development day. The author talk was the culmination of the all-staff read of Oluo’s New York Times bestselling book, So You Want to Talk About Race. The book read began in December and was facilitated by members of the all-district School Climate Committee.
In her book and in her conversation, Olou reminded staff to “always be open to learning” and let love direct their work in addressing issues of racism, because “our value lies in our humanity.” She encouraged staff to challenge pre-existing norms and structures that too often work against students and families of color.
“Ijeoma Oluo offered great insight into the ways that people of color negotiate their identity in spaces and how we as a collective community must acknowledge the historical context that has set the foundation for this present moment and how we are imbued with the power to change it”, said Racquel Armstrong, Assistant Principal at Bexley Middle School who facilitated the conversation.
Ms. Alou’s presentation was funded by a BEF Fall 2020 Classroom grant.