The Road To Equity®
By Kayren Gray
The Road To Equity®Apr 23, 2020
Episode 36: Breaking Barriers & Teaching African American History with Mrs. Cook
Mic drop with all the knowledge and insights from my conversation with Mrs. Cook. She stated, "What any nation values is present in its curriculum." She is in the first year of implementing and teaching an African American History course to high school students. In this episode, we discuss the significance of the course, why it matters, and what students are saying. Mrs. Cook described the course as freeing to her students in ways they could not have imagined. Check it out!
P.S. Check out the podcast entitled "KHS Presents: The Pushback"
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Episode 35: Another Seat at The Table with Ms. Lee
On this episode, we celebrate the voices of women educators, especially black women in education. On this stop, we chat with educator and mentor, Jennifer Lee, who shares with you here experience in the classroom, being a champion for every child, and what it means to lean in. You'll hear THREE lessons she has learned & the importance of creating a seat at the table, TWO strategies to create a more inclusive, welcoming classroom, and ONE challenge to listeners.
#Barrierbreakers #theroadtoequity #champion #educator
Episode 34: Breaking Barriers with Mrs. Kingery
In this week's episode, I'm chatting with Mrs. Kingery, a teacher and ally in the classroom. She shares THREE ways she has broken barriers to advocate for student voice, TWO important reasons for being an ally and #whynow, and ONE message or challenge to the listeners. Join us as we begin the conversation on #theroadtoequity to identify the significance of allyship in the classroom and discuss strategies and solutions to implement as we challenge the way things have always been done in education. Mrs. Kingery inspires #barrierbreakers to use their voice and create a space where everyone can be who they are and share their story #seen #heard #valued.
Episode 33: A Seat at the Table with Andrea
I'm joined by Andrea Hall - friend, consultant, entrepreneur, educator, leader, mother, and warrior - on this week's episode to identify, implement, and inspire as we share our story, our lived experience as black women. We discuss three important lessons we have learned, two things we are still working on individually and as a society, and one challenge for listeners. When we give others a voice, listen to their story, and create a seat at the table, we realize few things: there is enough room for everyone, we all can learn from each other, and we may have some things in common. After all, "It is not our differences that divide us. It is our inability to recognize, accept, and celebrate those differences." -Audre Lorde
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Episode 32: Celebrating Black History
On this week's stop on #theroadtoequity, I chat with special guest and Barrier Breaker - Aya Eneli. We discuss celebrating Black history and the 2021 theme of the Black family: Representation, Identity, and Diversity. I'm always left inspired after talking with Aya and I know you will be too after listening to this episode. Stay tuned until the end to listen to rapid fire questions with this phenomenal woman! As Dr. Carter G. Woodson stated, "Those who have no record of what their forebears have accomplished lose the inspiration which comes from teaching of biography and history." In the meantime, collect your personal history and write your story on #theroadtoequity!
Episode 31: Friendship
Friends, how many of us have them? I'm joined by two dear friends - Toya and Gam! Friendships are complex but valuable to life in ways we chat about on the episode. We discuss friendship - the ups and downs, highs and lows. My goal with each podcast is always to identify, implement, and inspire ourselves, others, organizations, and society to be our better each day. We identify the importance of friendship and meeting people from backgrounds different from our own. We discuss strategies to break down barriers and challenge the status quo in the friendship field. Lastly, we hope to inspire you to learn from others and broaden your network. Tune in to this lively conversation on #theroadtoequity.
Episode 30: Where We Are & Where We Want To Be
Welcome Barrier Breakers to the first new episode of the new year on #theroadtoequity! In this week's episode, I seek to identify where we are as a collective and where we want to be. I talk about "the test" we were given and what has happened thus far in the year, along with solutions and strategies to take the next step. 2020 was the teacher that kept providing us lessons and will keep them coming until we address what we have failed to acknowledge...
P.S. In this episode, I share my thoughts in a poem entitled "January 6, 2021"
Episode 29: A Year in Review #2020
What is up Barrier Breakers! As 2020 comes to a close, an important part of growth is reflection. This year has had its highs and lows but has also brought about a collective awakening of sorts that I am immensely grateful for. Join me on this quick wrap up of 20 things I gleaned from 2020 and how I'm going into this new year with a new vision. We identified so much this year - it is time to implement and inspire the change we wish to see. Who is with me?
Visit the website to learn more!
Episode 28: Why DEI?
We don't know what we don't know and while we may want to take steps to close the gaps, we may not know where to start. This episode raises awareness of diversity, equity, and inclusion to help begin a conversation. If 2020 has taught us anything, it has taught us that we are stronger together and how we can leverage D&I in our classrooms, on campuses, and in our community. It has taught us we need more people at the table. It has taught us the challenges we face are present - whether we want to address them or not (and they are not going anywhere); however, we can't change what we don't address. So in 2021, I challenge you to shift from awareness to engagement in DEI. Whether you are listening alone or blasting this episode in your conference room with your leadership around the table, the challenge remains: What is one thing you can do to support DEI in your organization on #theroadtoequity?
www.theroadtoequity.com
Episode 27: What's at Stake with Dr. Lyons
What is at stake? Fellow barrier breakers, I've teamed up with Dr. Lindsay Lyons to identify what is at stake and ways to collaboratively create change in classrooms, campuses, and communities. Tune in as we discuss THREE reasons to focus on equity, TWO next steps in the conversation, and one important question to ask. Join us as we identify, implement, and inspire on #theroadtoequity
#sharedleadership #barrierbreakers #diversityandinclusion #educationalequity
www.theroadtoequity.com
Episode 26: Your Voice, Your Vote - A Conversation with JoAnn Foster
Voting is your voice. It is the political power to exercise your voice to be heard. In this episode, we engage in a galvanizing conversation about voting with JoAnn Foster, Co-Founder of Black Voters United. We chat about the importance of the upcoming elections at not just the national level, but the importance of participating in your government at all levels, especially local. We are all about voter education because knowledge is power. Tune in as JoAnn reveals THREE things you should know about the upcoming elections, TWO insights she has learned since becoming an advocate for voting rights, and ONE message/challenge for all stakeholders. Join me in this amazing conversation as we identify the importance of voting, implement strategies to educate, and inspire results in the November election.
#yourvoiceyourvote
#theroadtoequity
#barrierbreakers
#election2020
www.theroadtoequity.com
Episode 25: Conversation with Dr. Jones
At the beginning of March and now in August as we return to school, a closer examination of our education system and schools revealed much of what some of us already knew about gaps, the value of our teachers, and what is truly at stake. COVID-19 magnified disparities and made us examine leadership roles and positions as the impact of their decisions hit close to home. I had the pleasure of chatting with Dr. Harrison Jones, IV who is an author, speaker, professor, and leader. We identified, implemented, and hope to inspire your next steps as we discuss the future of education.. We have to know where we are to get to where we are going next on #theroadtoequity
#beabarrierbreaker
#backtoschool
Episode 24: The Fence
People are less likely to tear down a fence they helped to build. People are less likely to tear down a fence they helped to build. It is by no mistake that I posted the same sentence twice. Tune in this week as I dive into the symbolic fence and unmask the excuses we often hear. With back to school challenges and tough decisions ahead, this is a conversation to send and share. Reflect on what the fence looks like at your campus, district, and in your community. #diversity #inclusion #backtoschool #theroadtoequity #howinclusiveareyou
My mantra: Feedback is welcomed, appreciated, encouraged, and valued.
Episode 23: Courageous Community Conversation with Philemon Brown (Part Two)
Part Two: Listen to the takeaways from our conversation
This week I engaged in a deep conversation with community activist, local legend for diversity and inclusion, and advocate for change, Philemon Brown. He speaks truth into power, explains BLM, what equity is, and so much more. You don’t want to miss this conversation between two thought leaders coming together to close the gap and change the narrative on #theroadtoequity.
Tune in to my weekly podcast with an #eyeonequity as we navigate life – filled with detours and pitstops – meant to challenge us and show us a piece of who we are. So, if you will, join me and buckle up for courageous conversations and insights to help change the narrative and close the gap.
#beabarrierbreaker
Episode 22: Community Conversation with Philemon Brown (Part One)
Part One
This week I engaged in a deep conversation with community activist, local legend for diversity and inclusion, and advocate for change, Philemon Brown. He speaks truth into power, explains BLM, what equity is, and so much more. You don’t want to miss this conversation between two thought leaders coming together to close the gap and change the narrative on #theroadtoequity.
Tune in to my weekly podcast with an #eyeonequity as we navigate life – filled with detours and pitstops – meant to challenge us and show us a piece of who we are. So, if you will, join me and buckle up for courageous conversations and insights to help change the narrative and close the gap.
#beabarrierbreaker
Episode 21: Educational Inequities #eyeonequity
As we are gearing up for back to school, looking at educational policies, practices, and procedures is important to ensuring equity. We take a closer look and begin a conversation about a case close to home. Check out our chat highlighting inequity, counterproductive practices, and ways to change the narrative. We are passionate sisters advocating for equity, diversity, and inclusion. Join us as we identify, implement, and inspire on #theroadtoequity.
Learn more by visiting our website: www.theroadtoequity.com
#barrierbreakers
#courageousconversations
#bethechange
#beabarrierbreaker
#educationalequity
#backtoschool
Episode 20: Back to School #EquityEdition
We are reminded of #goodtrouble as we honor Civil Rights Activist John Lewis. As his light continues to shine, we embark on tough conversations to close the gap and change the narrative by focusing on equity, diversity, and inclusion. How do we prepare for the upcoming school year with #equity in mind? Danielle and I seek answers to identify roadblocks, discuss solutions to implement, and the inspiring results as we have conversations that move from awareness to action. This starts with leaders who lead and understanding why is it so important to start a conversation engaging all stakeholders. Tune in as we break down barriers to identify, implement, and inspire.
#BeaBarrierBreaker
#theroadtoequity
#backtoschool
#equityedition
Positive Affirmations to begin your DAY or WEEK!
Courtesy of Danielle Guillory, Equity Advocate and Consultant at MK Results, LLC. Listen to Episode 19 entitled "Positive Affirmations" and use these words to empower yourself. Be sure to save this short episode to replay when you need to center, remember, and reaffirm that you got this! We all need a little reminder, so we hope this helps you as it as helped us!
Leading with Love,
Kayren
Episode 19: A Conversation about Positive Affirmations
A negative mind will never give you a positive life. Instead of seeing the negative, strive to see the good because we know after the storm, comes the rainbow. Andrea and I dive into a deep conversation about positive affirmations and why they are important for you to speak life into yourself, your purpose, your family, and your community. Hear some of our own best practices for #positiveaffirmations and you don't want to miss why Danielle lovingly harped on my decor choice. It's a quick listen while you are on a walk, run, on your way to work, or simply taking out some "me" time. I may look like I have it all together, but let me tell you we are all a #workofart and a #workinprogress. If you wonder what our secret weapon is to the day-to-day grind of keeping our head up? Tune in and hear some powerful words to affirm you are enough, deserving, and worthy.
#barrierbreakers
#theroadtoequity
#weseeyou
#wehearyou
#wefeelyou
#positiveaffirmations
#speakit
#shareyourstory
#writeyourstory
#controlyournarrative
#blackgirlmagic
#hearmystory
https://www.amazon.com/I-Am-Affirmations-Takisha-Woods/dp/1947970097
Episode 18: How to Break Barriers (Leading with Love Part 2)
Last week we discussed how to lead, listen, and look through a lens of love (check out Episode 17). In Part two of our "Leading with Love" Series, we discuss how to be a Barrier Breaker to actively be a part of the solution and not the problem. Tune in to our discussion with Andrea as we discuss our experiences and how to be a positive disruptor to patterns counterproductive to closing the gap and changing the narrative. We seek to be #colorbrave, not #colorblind. Join in on the conversation as we embark on the journey towards equity. Buckle up!
#theroadtoequity #barrierbreakers #shareyourstory #bethechange #equity #diversity #inclusion #aseatatthetable
Next Exit:
Episode 17: Leading with Love
When the foundation is cracked, everything else is off balance. It kinda feels like that right about now in life and in America. What do we do when the foundation of our house is cracked? How do we move forward with the noise and silence? We lead with love! Share in our conversation and discover three ways to lead with love: lead, listen, and look. Discover what we mean and how you and all Barrier Breakers can close the gap and change the narrative on #theroadtoequity
Episode 16: Explaining Terminology
It is another week on "The Road to Equity" as we navigate life, human connections, and constructive conversations to close gap and change the narrative. I refer to two articles tonight that resonated with me to do continue to do the work by understanding the terminology we are hearing frequently on the news and social media platforms. This is a short-session on terms and what they mean so we can begin to get comfortable with some uncomfortable truths. Tune in as we explore the road map to equality through the process called equity.
Stay tuned for more episodes with the Author's Purpose explained and a deep dive into each chapter.
Purchase the book available on Amazon.
#theroadtoequity
#mkresultsllc
#barrierbreakers
#closethegap
#changethenarrative
#bethechange
www.mkresultsllc.com
Episode 15: What's Next?
What's next? Now that the book is released, how can we use it as a tool to shift the culture and climate on your campus and begin a conversation about equity, diversity, and inclusion? We are here equipped with a team to begin the conversation using our road map to confront, create, collaborate, commit, and celebrate to change the narrative and close the gap. Tune in to see the next steps to take and if you are unsure of what to say during this time, we have some insight on that too!
#theroadtoequity
#closethegap
#barrierbreakers
#bethechange
#changethenarrative
www.mkresultsllc.com
Purchase the book here: https://www.amazon.com/Road-Equity-Construct-Equitable-Classroom/dp/1734986700/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1591579975&sr=8-1
Episode 14: Educators' Round-Table
Raising kind kids is the conversation we engage in to provide insight from our own experiences and to learn from each other ways to continually grow as parents and being around students. When we seek to raise kind kids, we must be reflective and conscious of our biases in order to ensure they do not unconsciously send a message to our kids. Let's work together on #theroadtoequity! Trends and patterns tell a story all on its own. Tonight around the virtual table, we discuss the best and worst trends in various categories, including education. COVID19 has disrupted the lives of the entire world and unfortunately, education was not an exception. The pandemic did not disrupt the trajectory of the trends in education – it magnified them. Tune in #onaTuesday as we share experiences to connect.
Tune in and check out our channel - podcast - social media - and website to see how you can get embark on The Road To Equity to close the gap and change the narrative. We define ourselves as educators, leaders, and authors, but above all, we are #barrierbreakers on #theroadtoequity @mkresultsllc
www.mkresultsllc.com
Episode 13: Trends
With the book release THREE days away, Danielle and I discuss the catalyst to our movement on #theroadtoequity. The trends and patterns in our own experiences as a student and educator became apparent - so much so that we formed a collective group of Barrier Breakers to close the gap and change the narrative. If you are feeling any of what we are feeling and not sure what to do, how to say it, and next steps...listen here and hear our story. We've got work to do America, will you join us?
#barrierbreakers
#closethegap
#shareyourstory
#courageousconversations
#bethechange
www.mkresultsllc.com
Episode 12: Educators' Round-Table
Our chats #onaTuesday with the Educators' Round-Table discussed the end of the year wrap-up, a quote about judgment, and how we are coping during uncertain times. Hear our stories and share in our experiences on #theroadtoequity
Tune in next week as we continue our conversation on our hopes for next school year given the circumstances and how to raise kind kids.
Visit www.mkresultsllc.com to order your copy of the book today and inquire about our book + training promotion on #theroadtoequity
#barrierbreakers
#closethegap
#shareyourstory
Disclaimer: All opinions expressed are those of each individual person through shared conversations around various topics. Our hope is to share the varied human experience from our individual backgrounds and own life. We ask for you to hear each of our stories - expressed through the topics each week to understand others and work to close the gap.
Episode 11: Educators' Round-Table
No one is immune, myself included. We cannot change what we do not acknowledge. Therefore, our first stop on "The Road to Equity" brings us to confront. “Confront“ refers to the act of challenging your own perceptions, biases, and prejudices to foster self-awareness to close the gap and change the narrative. This week we discuss the Unconscious Bias and Barriers to learning, in our own life and what happens in the classroom. Our thoughts and beliefs become behaviors. Here our stories and most of all our honest, authentic conversations to share experiences that breed understanding. This topic is addressed in my book, "The Road to Equity" and on tonight's episode as our biases impact decisions, policies, interactions, procedures, and more. If you are interested in being a part of our Tuesday Round-Table, email kayren@mkresultsllc.com.
Disclaimer: All opinions expressed are those of each individual person through shared conversations around various topics. Our hope is to share the varied human experience from our individual backgrounds and own life. We ask for you to hear each of our stories - expressed through the topics each week to understand others and work to close the gap.
Visit www.mkresultsllc.com to order your copy of the book today and inquire about our book + training promotion on #theroadtoequity
#barrierbreakers
#closethegap
#shareyourstory
Episode 10: Chapter 1 - Confronting Bias and Barriers
“Confront“ refers to the act of challenging your own perceptions, biases, and prejudices to foster self-awareness to close the gap and change the narrative. This week on #theroadtoequity, we are discussing the first chapter of the book, "The Road to Equity: The Five C's to an Equitable Classroom" with Danielle. In this chapter, reflection is key to confronting our biases and understanding barriers to learning many encounter. As we confront our own biases, we must reflect on how they manifest – implicitly and explicitly – through our actions, reinforcing or perpetuating stereotypes, without consciously knowing it. When we are ready to confront our truths, we begin to remove barriers along the roadway, giving others access to better opportunities and more constructive interactions to help students map out their road to success. Tune in to see how we address the person we see reflecting back at us in the mirror.
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Visit www.mkresultsllc.com to order your copy of the book today and inquire about our book + training promotion on #theroadtoequity
#barrierbreakers
#closethegap
#shareyourstory
Episode 9: Educators' Round-Table
It's another beautiful week and our pit-stop on #theroadtoequity takes us to our round-table each Tuesday to discuss issues, culture, events, and life to close the gap and change the narrative. We say Happy Mother's Day and share our stories based on our backgrounds and life experiences. Yes, we have laughs, but we strive to create a dialogue to express ourselves, our stories, and our pain. The Ahmaud Arbery case hits home for everyone, especially black mothers who see this as a norm or reality... My own son's name is Ahmad. In the words of Jennifer Hudson, " I moan." Listen to our truth as we listen to yours - all to highlight the varied human experience that creates America. #irunwithmaud #werunwithmaud
Disclaimer: All opinions expressed are those of each individual person through shared conversations around various topics. Our hope is to share the varied human experience from our individual backgrounds and own life. We ask for you to hear each of our stories - expressed through the topics each week to understand others and work to close the gap.
Episode 8: Lessons from Mamma
Here is to the strong women: may we know them, may we be them, may we raise them! Happy Mother's Day - sending love to all moms on this special day and to moms who are with us in spirit. We are sharing "Lessons from Mamma" and all the wisdom they offered us, in hopes of living our best life and fulfilling our dreams. Listen in on our friendly conversation about the lessons, laughs, and stories from our dear mammas.
#theroadtoequity #barrierbreakers @mkresultsllc
Episode 7: Educators' Round-Table
Happy Teacher Appreciation Week! With that being said, we are celebrating and honoring teachers. Tune in as we discuss one person who changed us for the better and for the worse. What lessons did we learn? And, we added a new segment #askingforafriend! This week we are talking about hair and our hair in particular. Hear us, connect with us, and join us on #theroadtoequity.
Disclaimer: All opinions expressed are those of each individual person through shared conversations around various topics. Our hope is to share the varied human experience from our individual backgrounds and own life. We ask for you to hear each of our stories - expressed through the topics each week to understand others and work to close the gap.
Episode 6: [Extended Conversations] Someone had to say it...
Join us on an extended conversation where we engage in some hard, yet necessary dialogue to close the gap.
#reciprocity #barrierbreakers #breakingstereotypes #theroadtoequity #mkresultsllc #shareyourstory
Episode 5: Educators' Round-Table
Round 2 of friendly conversations with educators at the table discussing this or that, how to change the world, and a random topic. Write a review, like, or share. We would love for you to embark on #theroadtoequity #barrierbreakers #equcatorsquad
Disclaimer: All opinions expressed are those of each individual person through shared conversations around various topics. Our hope is to share the varied human experience from our individual backgrounds and own life. We ask for you to hear each of our stories - expressed through the topics each week to understand others and work to close the gap.
Episode 4: New Kid On The Block
It all started at lunch...sounds like the typical school story, followed by a food fight in the cafeteria. But this is a story about more than that - minus the mashed potatoes slinging across the table. It is a story about strangers, friendship, and hope. Just like students, educators form friendships beginning with breaking bread to break barriers.
#TheRoadToEquity
#lunchbunch
@mkresultsllc
#barrierbreakers
#closethegap
#shareyourstory
Episode 3: Educators' Round-Table
Tune in each Tuesday at 7:30 p.m. CST on Facebook Live to watch or listen here on our podcast. Each week be surprised by the topics, themes, and dialogue necessary to close the gap. I am honored to chat with other educators who identify as #barrierbreakers to change the narrative. We hope you connect with our stories and inspire you to be brave and vulnerable to share yours too! #TheRoadToEquity @mkresultsllc
Topics range from culture, diversity, education, politics, mindfulness, current events, pop culture, social media, and more.
Episode 2: Expectations
"People don't stress me out #periodt." Is this true or false for you? Tune in to this week's conversation about how to overcome and push through because although it is uncomfortable, it is necessary. I am here with Danielle #sister #socialworker discussing the topic of expectations and our own journey, stress, challenges, and ways to cope. Join us on #TheRoadToEquity
Episode 1: Book Launch #TheRoadToEquity
You cannot acknowledge what you do not address. Join my journey on #TheRoadToEquity discussing my why and virtual book launch. I hope this helps you discover the gift you possess inside of you and empowers you to #tellyourstory.