Happy Black History Month!

This is an old episode, but definitely worth a listen! open.spotify.com/episode/2G9T...

Educators: Please read. Take moments to pause and collect your breath. Holding space for all of us. www.whitehouse.gov/presidential...

“You have to act as if it were possible to radically transform the world. And you have to do it all the time.” —Angela Davis Happy Birthday to the Queen!

Looks like book banning isn’t book banning in the new order. “The Party told you to reject the evidence of your eyes and ears. It was their final, most essential command.” —George Orwell

Braun, IN’s new governor, determined that our state will no longer allocate funds to Martin University which is the only predominantly Black institution in Indiana. indianapolisrecorder.com/porter-react...

“Approximately 10,000 refugees who were scheduled to fly to the US have had their flights canceled and no new bookings will be made, a State Department memo says. The memo also says that case processing is suspended, effectively shutting the program.” www.wishtv.com/news/refugee...

How do your words, actions, and beliefs align with Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s vision of justice? A thread.

Kendrick Lamar would never…

Indiana HB 1394, proposes to turn schools into agents of ICE. Schools will no longer have refugee or immigrant student populations, because our lawmakers do not care for their existence nor want to educate them.

Exclusive: Vice President Kamala Harris Celebrates Alpha Kappa Alpha Founders Day at White House With Fellow Sorority Sisters 💕💚 #AlphaKappaAlpha

When this group was in high school, they created an affinity space called Future Black Leaders (FBL). As adults, they have shifted FBL into a business that supports Black youth. I couldn’t be more proud of these former students and love how they keep me involved in their lives! Weekend highlight!

Project 2025 has already been in motion within most states, including Indiana. Dissolving one of the largest public school districts in Indiana that serves more than 80% students of color is an intentional choice from lawmakers. www.wfyi.org/news/article...

The Teach Black History All Year Institute is now available exclusively to schools,  districts, and educational organizations. @mcolleencruz.bsky.social A thread.

Wishing you joy, softness, and love in the new year. You deserve peace and communities of people who love you for being your authentic self. Many thanks to those who filled my cup in 2024!

You have every right to reevaluate your circles, and distance yourself from people who have revealed their true selves this season. It’s okay to leave toxicity behind and build communities around you in 2025 that lead with love, justice, and truth.

On this Winter Solstice, may peace and renewal embrace you. As light returns, may your spirit shine bright, rooted in strength and community. Winter Solstice blessings

Bryan Stevenson shared many profound words of wisdom at #NCTE24, yet I’m holding on to this quote for the upcoming year: Hope is not always rational, but it is necessary.

There is only one you and your existence matters. As you work to serve others and navigate challenges, do not forget to feed your own soul and pour into yourself. You are worthy of peace and joy.

No one should have to live in a country where mass shootings are normalized. I’m grieving for families who have experienced a loss of life due to senseless acts of gun violence. It doesn’t have to be this way, and collectively we could use our power to change these outcomes. Yet…

“Beloved community is formed not by the eradication of difference but by its affirmation, by each of us claiming the identities and cultural legacies that shape who we are and how we live in the world.” bell hooks It’s hard to believe she left this world 3 years ago today.

Reminder: If you are committed to justice-centered work, today would be a good day to reevaluate your circles. Who inspires you to become a better version of yourself? Who do you need to collect for a critical conversation in loving accountability? Who do you need to let go in 2025?

Thinking about @ericabrivera.bsky.social’s sermon at #NCTE and considering when I should •push •pause and •protect my peace Trying to be intentional about where my energy goes.

Yes, we do need support! My first book, Identity Affirming Classrooms: Spaces that Center Humanity, has a wide reach in higher education and school spaces, but the quantity of reviews convey otherwise. If you have read my work, please review it! It helps authors tremendously.

This discussion was one of the most uplifting experiences during the onset of the pandemic. I invite you to listen to Angela Davis and Nikki Giovanni, who soothed my soul during this live interview through GirlTrek. What a moment of greatness! This was love in action. youtu.be/esPHDvx_aZc

One of my dear friends recently shared this w/ me: “You are the only person I know who says ‘this ain’t working for me’ and will leave a situation for better. Many folks will endure harm, but you model for us that it’s okay to change.” Honestly, it was one of the best compliments I have received.

Nikki Giovanni’s writings had a powerful impact on my life. Her words were soothing while navigating spaces where misogynoir resided. She empowered me to walk in my truth and be my unapologetic self. What a gift she was to all of us. Rest in power. www.npr.org/2024/12/09/n...

This is your friendly reminder to update your resume or CV. Don’t wait until the last minute to recall all of your professional or service experiences.

“The heart of justice is truth telling, seeing ourselves and the world the way it is rather than the way we want it to be. More than ever before we, as a society, need to renew a commitment to truth telling.” While existing in an era of truth decay, I’m holding on to the wisdom of bell hooks.

A majority of Americans voted for a twice impeached, 34 times convicted man who tried to steal an election via the incitement of violence and wants to dismantle public education. No, I will not disrupt my peace over Hunter Biden.

‘Letting go’ can jumpstart your healing and align you with your purpose. Sometimes you have to let certain people, institutions, and situations go for elevation, growth, and restoration.

Right now is a good time to call your reps and tell them you are against ANY form of book banning (including the "Parents Bill of Rights" bill). The GOP House majority is going to be super slim in January, and they couldn't get the entire caucus behind the bill last time. We can beat this bill!

“You’ve got to tell the world how to treat you. If the world tells you how you are going to be treated, you are in trouble.” James Baldwin left this world 37 years ago today, but his wisdom lives and continuously soothes my soul.

It’s Black Friday #EduSky, which means 25% off of all Routledge books. If you haven’t read Identity Affirming Classrooms: Spaces that Center Humanity, consider adding my book to your stack! Book link and info here: www.routledge.com/Identity-Aff...

Reminder: Don’t waste your time debating with someone who refuses to see your humanity. Protect your peace. Seek joy. It’s not worth the cortisol.

Kindness cannot exist without justice.

I love, love, LOVE that Dr. @dmurff5.bsky.social and I had a chance to present together in two sessions! We truly bring the best out of each other! Dr. Murff is also new to this app, so make sure to give her a follow if her work (equity-focused leadership) aligns w/ your interests! #NCTE24

If you are at #NCTE24, please check out the Routledge/Stenhouse Publishing booth for a copy of my book, Identity Affirming Classrooms: Spaces that Center Humanity. I left a signed copy for someone’s enjoyment!

Session: “Saving Ourselves: How Black Women Educators Change and Heal from Unjust Systems” #NCTE24 This was love and “we got us” in action. To all who attended our session and spoke truth, I am grateful for you and rooting for you.

We intentionally created a space for sisterhood and it was beautiful. To all who attended, thank you! Make sure to also check out the handout from our session (within app) for liberating texts authored by Black women. #NCTE24

I look forward to meeting new people and seeing some of my favorite accountability partners in justice-centered work. #NCTE24

This quote is beautiful. Yet, I hope as a collective that we can learn to give proper attribution to novelist Robert Jones Jr. who actually authored this quote.

Black Women Educators: If you plan to attend #NCTE2024 in Boston, consider this session. It’ll be a gift of powerful stories and resources, and a healing space considering our turbulent times. #BlackEduSky

“Teaching comes with many challenges while working in unjust systems. School and district leaders cannot tell teachers to indulge in “self-care” with the belief that encouragement alone makes their presence in dysfunctional systems better.” www.edweek.org/leadership/o...

Grateful for human connections and the love that propels me to move forward during challenging times. There’s power in community.

Hello! Any educators here? Let’s connect!