8 Black Hands

Many schools and districts are announcing that they want more diversity in the teacher workforce. Far less are moving mountains to ensure the teaching and learning conditions for Black and Brown students and staff are anti-racist environments and conducive for people of color. We have two guests, Ramon DeJesus, Director of Diversity Development in Cambridge Public Schools and Dr Robert Simmons III, Executive Director of the Black Educator Initiative for Urban Teachers. Both of these educators are renowned for their work in educator diversity and development. Enjoy. 

You all are in for a treat. As the title suggests, we covered a ton of topics. Dr. Watkins came on the show and did not disappoint. Join us as we discuss educating Black folks, economics, politics in academia, the importance of Black ownership and more! This episode was a revelation. 

In this episode, the fellas chat with the CEO of Baltimore City Public Schools, Dr. Sonja Santelises. They discuss a wide range of topics including Baltimore's push for equity, improving over time, and changing the narrative of Baltimore. Take a listen, leave your thoughts, and share. 

Happy Black History Month!! In this episode, Charles and Sharif dive into a lot! The fellas start by highlighting a few Black leaders that meant a lot to each of them personally. Then the fellas veer into a video by Jason Riley called Blacks in Power Don't Empower Blacks (no endorsement either way). Click the link to watch the full video. It raised an interesting debate point for the fellas as they then debated whether we can have a movement today at the same magnitude as Malcolm, Martin, and Rosa. Some interesting conversation there. So join us in our living room and leave your thoughts. We appreciate you. 

Man, this was a tough one. Recorded just hours after the tragic news of Kobe Bryant's death, the fellas got a chance to reflect. Life is short, love hard. Afterwards, we dive into the recent report put out by Brightbeam, The Secret Shame: How America’s Most Progressive Cities Betray Their Commitment to Educational Opportunity for All. This was special as our very own Chris Stewart, CEO of Brightbeam, commissioned the report.  Enjoy.

In this episode, the fellas got to travel to New Orleans to the amazing inaugural National Parents Union Parent Power 2020 Summit. The fellas discussed themes of parent agency and why parents must be at the forefront of improving our educational inequities. It was an amazing conversation that we were privileged to have at a historic event.  Take a listen and let us know your thoughts. 

In this episode, the fellas take on 2 different issues. First, we discuss a school fight that went too far and resulted in a mother getting a black eye and then we dive into the difference between California textbooks and Texas textbooks. That's right, exact same company, same book name, different facts. We told you it was madness, right?  Also, Ray has released the first episode to season 2 of his Edupurist Podcast. Check that out. As always, leave us your thoughts. We appreciate everyone that takes the time to listen. 

Welcome to the new decade! We missed you all.  In this episode, the fellas discussed a school so in demand parents camped out to get their child a spot. The fellas discuss the importance of access  and how far parents are willing to go to ensure their kids get what they need. Take a listen and let us know how far you'd go to get your child the education you feel they deserve.  You can read the reference article here. 

This episode is the return of our brother, Chris Stewart and he was in rare form!! In this episode, we covered a lot. First, we discussed the a group of privileged parents upset at potential boundary changes that would route more Black students to their district. We played a clip, and it got pretty testy. Then we engaged in a conversation about why we think there aren't more Black schools across the country. We had a great conversation, so listen and join it. Reach out with your thoughts on Twitter @8BlackHands1. 

In this episode, the fellas discuss the saga surround Urban Dove School which has plans to move into a Jewish Community. Urban Dove is a charter school that serves students who failed the 9th grade. The past two tenants of the building have been Jewish schools, one Conservative and one Orthodox, that each ran into financial problems and stopped paying rent. More than a 100 protestors showed up advocating that the building hold that space for a Jewish school, orthodox or conservative. You can read the full story here.  In the protest, students were basically called thugs and criminals so you know we had to tackle the topic. Send us your thoughts on Twitter @8BlackHands1. 

Our communities have always known the power of Black children having Black teachers in their lives. The numbers of Black teachers dropped significantly as a result of the Brown vs Board decision. While we’ve known the short -term impact of having Black teachers, a team of researchers that included our guest, Dr. Constance A. Lindsay, investigates the long-term impact of same race teachers on Black children. Join us to hear what this brilliant researcher found in her research as well as what she’s investigating next. As a bonus, here is an article where Dr. Lindsay discusses her findings. 

Sarah Carpenter and the Powerful Parent Network lifted their voices at a rally where Elizabeth Warren was speaking and it is getting national news. Before major news outlets change the narrative, we wanted you all to hear straight from Miss Sarah Carpenter herself. Enjoy. 

In this episode, the fellas dive into the protest by the Powerful Parent Network. Sarah Carpenter, friend of the show and guest of Episode 19, had a head on collision with Elizabeth Warren and the public response has been interesting to say the least. Take a listen and give us your thoughts on Twitter @8BlackHands1.  Also, as part of the 8 Black Hands listening crew, one thing we definitely believe is that Black folks have and have always displays high levels of agency in the face of adversity. Sadly, those same Black folks often have to share that burden by themselves. If you want to support Ms. Carpenter and show her she is not alone, her Twitter handle is @LadyTenn.

In this episode, the fellas find themselves live in Minneapolis. The conversation touches on legislation attacking culturally affirming schools serving Black kids that have been designated as "segregated". We also have a direct conversation about the state of education for Black children in the city's public school system. All that and more in this episode.  As always, you can converse directly with us on Twitter @8BlackHands1. Thank you all for your continued support. 

While Texas is known for doing everything bigger and better, we wanted to know if the same mantra is realized for their Black students’ achievement levels. Listen to this episode to determine #HowAreTheChildren Hit us up on Twitter @8BlackHands1

In this episode, the fellas dive deep into the paternalistic ways in which white folks and other entities of power try to explain Black children to Black people. As always, the fellas hold no punches nor leaves any stone unturned. Tune in for the realest education conversations led by Black folks you are going to find on the internet.  Find us on Twitter @8BlackHands1

In this episode, the fellows have a deep discussion on the latest CPS strike before debating a recent comment by Chance the Rapper. This was a necessary episode. Enjoy.  Comment on the episode on Twitter: @8BlackHands1

In this episode, Chris and Charles revisit the Revolt Summit in all its glory. Listen in to see where the fellas fell on the Killer Mike & Candice Owens exchange, and the need for more Black forums such as this. You can also view the full Revolt Summit Panel here. Enjoy. Twitter: @8BlackHands1 

In this episode, we got to chat with Dr. Bettina Love about her new book, We Want to do More than Survive, Black education, what she thinks we must do to ensure better education for Black children moving forward. We had a ton of LOVING debates (see what we did there?). Do yourself a favor and check it out.  Also, go cop Dr. Love's Book Here and send her some love on twitter @BLoveSoulPower. 

In this episode, the fellas discuss a myriad of controversial topics in the world of education. First they discuss the arrest of a 6-year-old girl for having a tantrum in school while also discussing whether cops are even needed in schools. Then the conversation flips to discuss the case of a boy with autism potentially having his desk placed in the bathroom! [CRAZINESS] Before finally circling back to Cory Booker and his plea for funding to stay in the presidential race. It's all here.  Twitter: @8BlackHands1

Well, the fellas were on the rode once again and this time was blessed to interview Jalen Rose about all the amazing work he is doing at Jalen Rose Leadership Academy in his hometown of Detroit. Spoiler Alert, the big homie killed it and had smoke for those hating on his school. You gotta take a listen.  Jalen invited The Hands to come out to his school for a live show so we are definitely looking forward to making that happen. If you are trying to get The Hands to your city, hit us up on twitter @8BlackHands1.  ------ You can get merch from The Hands here.  Also, you can cop Beyond Grit & Resilience by our own Charles Cole here as well. 

While The Hands are preparing to go back on the road, Ray and his Edupurist Podcast took over our airwaves. Go support Ray and the Edupurist podcast. You can find more Edupurists pod episodes here: https://anchor.fm/raymond-ankrum1 and subscribe to the twitter page @TheEdupuristPod. Enjoy the show! --- In this episode, two OG's in Ed-reform David Hardy and Tyrone Mowatt stop by to talk about public education. In this no holds barred conversation, they talk about ways to be innovative and take risks as school leaders, by using innovative ways to reach Black and Brown students and families. Mr. Mowatt expands on his theory of sending "lifeboats" to save our students. Mr. Hardy expands on what quality should look like in Philly and beyond.

This episode is all about emancipatory education. The fellas offer their thoughts and personal experiences to this term that deserves more attention. What is emancipatory education to you and where are you seeing it happen now? Share it with the 8 Black Hands Crew on twitter @8BlackHands1. Also, our brother Charles has released his first book, Beyond Grit & Resilience! If you make it to the end of the show there's some special instructions that may lead to you getting a few copy. So enjoy the show. 

This is a special episode. It's so special, in fact, that we gave you bonus material at the end of the episode. In this episode, we discuss the latest regarding Jay-Z and the NFL. Then we discuss how this affects the 8 million Black children in our schools across the country. The brothers definitely had some disagreements here but its all in service of our community.  Let us know your thoughts at our Twitter handle @8BlackHands1.  Also, if you want to bring 8 Black Hands to your city, hit us up on twitter. 

Oh this one is a doozy! In it, we start out recapping the AMAZING State of Learning event in Pittsburgh, PA. In that live show (which we hope to put out soon) there was a bit of controversy and we discuss it here. Spoiler Alert: the Hands definitely disagreed in this one. Check it out for yourself.  Twitter: @8BlackHands1

In this episode, we welcome Freedom Fighter Christina Laster. She is the current Education Chair of the San Diego branch of the NAACP and she stands for Black children even when the state chapter doesn't. Here, she tells her story and gives advice on what we all should do if we really are about educating Black kids. She brings that HEAT, ya heard!!  You don't want to miss this episode.

We send our thoughts to Gilroy, El Paso, and Dayton.  Then we discuss Booker's flip flop on parent choice that led to a spirited debate about the Democratic Primary landscape. There was real (and productive) conflict. Strap in because this one is a wild ride. 

This episode originally appeared on Ray's podcast, the Edupurist podcast.  In honor of Charles' birthday, we have decided to re-broadcast this episode.   The birth of this episode came from a twitter disagreement, in which two sides of a passionate argument (Keith and Charles) came together to discuss educational issues from their perspective.  It was a powerful episode-- and we wanted to share it with the listeners.  Please listen and share with the hashtag #HowAreTheChildren!  And don't forget to wish Charles a Happy B-Day!

In this episode, we got to spend time with the man himself, Dr. Fuller. He gave us a ton of free game, history, and all the motivation one may need to stand up for Black education in this country.  You can find Dr. Fuller on twitter: @HowardLFuller

In this episode, we discuss Chris' controversial article about the melee at Disneyland and how we should respond as a community. We argued, we laughed, we agreed, we disagreed. Enjoy and join in.   Twitter: @8BlackHands1

This was a special episode. The fellas were live and the crowd was all the way into it. Shout out to that AMAZING crowd. The room was a little loud and there's a slight buzz BUT the content is fire. As always, please share and leave your comments.  Enjoy!  Twitter: @8BlackHands1

Ray and Charles got a chance to sit down with the most amazing group of parents in the game. We had an amazing conversation. Sarah Carpenter and her team are forces of nature. Unapologetic, knowledgeable, and just all out great for kids in Memphis.  Check them out at https://memphislift.org. Like and rate the podcast on Apple Podcast. Share with your people. 

In this episode, Charles and Ray dive deeper into the recent Atlantic article by billionaire Nick Hanauer as he has his "epiphany' of sorts regarding the relationship between economic inequality and poor education.  Needless to say, Charles and Ray had a lot to say on the topic.

PART 2 In this episode, we dive deep into the Limited Series Netflix show, When They See Us, directed by Ava DuVernay. The convo grew and as a result, we turned it into two episodes.

In this episode, we dive deep into the Limited Series Netflix show, When They See Us, directed by Ava DuVernay. The convo grew and as a result, we turned it into two episodes. So enjoy Part 1 and share your thoughts.

In this episode, Ray and Sharif venture to Philly to talk to the "OG" David P. Hardy (@davidphardy) about all things Philly education. Great episode. Take a listen and continue to conversation on Twitter @8BlackHands1.

In this episode, the fellas discuss the legislation on the table aimed to take charter schools out and the Black folks most impacted.

The team tackles Bernie's advocacy to take away a wing of Black and Brown education. We have a LOT to say on that topic.  Oh, and we know Charles' mic sounds weird, we gotta get that kid a new one. Enjoy and always, continue to conversation with us on Twitter at @8blackhands and rate us on Apple Podcast.

We had the privilege of recording our first live show in Oakland at the Charter Collaborative Conference. We tackled a wide range of topics with the treatment of Black schools being one of them.   Take a listen. If you like us, give up 5 stars on iTunes. It goes a long way.   Continue the conversation on Twitter @8BlackHands1

AP decides that his only recourse of action is to draw on a student in order to fix his haircut and get him back to class. Not once did he think to call this kid’s parents. Things like this happen to our kids all of this time, and we have to do a better job of preparing Black and LatinX kids to respond to these types of situations.

Texas principal implements a dress code for parents. People are up in arms about the new dress code policy, as many feel it represents an archaic way of thinkings, as well as identity politics. Is this too harsh of a policy? Do principals have much more to do with their time than to police the bodies of adults? These are all things to ponder as you dive into the latest episode of the 8 black hands podcast. Get your 8 Black Hands merch here: https://teespring.com/stores/8-black-hands-podcast-merch

Let's start this thing off right, WELCOME BACK TO THE VAINGLORIOUS CHRIS STEWART. Happy to have you back, brother.  The fellas discuss why we say Black parents are on their own and ways they can be ready. No punches pulled, just straight talk in service of the 8 million.  Follow us on twitter @8blackhands1

The 8 Black Hands tackle the issue of California trying to banish TFA (https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=1&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=2ahUKEwidlI3ihK7hAhUMpJ4KHYKKDYIQFjAAegQIAxAB&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.leginfo.legislature.ca.gov%2Ffaces%2FbillTextClient.xhtml%3Fbill_id%3D201920200AB221&usg=AOvVaw2pjvXpozFrQ8vZUdGSOrKJ) from their schools. Our very own Raymond Ankrum tackled this one of his recent articles (https://everybodyluvsraymondsedblog.com/2019/03/30/teach-for-america-is-not-the-enemy-bad-schools-are/) . Sadly, in the midst of recording the episode, we got word that Nipsey Hussle was murdered. He was doing amazing things in his community and it is truly a loss.  There were some minor audio issues but the conversation is intact so bear with us. After you listen, shoot us your thoughts and comments on twitter: @8BlackHands1

In the midst of the greatest college admin scandal, the team breaks down their reactions and thoughts on where Black folks should go from here.

As the heat from teachers' strikes in Oakland rises, things are turning violent. Charles Cole helps us understand the recent vandalism and threats to education advocates.

What does black history month mean to us? It means we need to keep eyes on the prize and not be distracted by media reports of politicians in blackface. Our kids deserve our full attention.

Here we go again. This time it's Oakland that is bracing for a teachers strike that will disrupt the education of children who are already so far behind. To help us understand what is at issue we invited **Dr. Brian Stanley**, the former Executive Director of the Oakland Public Education Fund, and education activist **Dirk Tillotson**, founder and executive director of the nonprofit Great Schools Choices.

Ray Ankrum's piece "[Adressing Anti-School Choice Noise](https://everybodyluvsraymondsedblog.com/2019/01/26/addressing-the-anti-school-choice-noise/)" gets us talking about the people in our life and community how disagree with the education work we do.

This past week we saw teachers in Los Angeles end their first strike in in 30 years. Did the parents and children in that city gain enough in the process? We discuss Citizen Stewart's [piece on the issue](http://citizenstewart.org/just-once-i-want-to-see-a-national-protest-for-better-teaching-and-more-learning/).

In this first episode the crew (Ankrum, Cole, El-Mekki, and Stewart) introduce the show and talk about the importance of Dr. Martin Luther King, public school integration, and the big money that funds anti-school choice activists.