Leaders of Color by Heather Yuhaniak

Helping students well-being

2023-03-17 13:25:51 UTC

starting to change the culture

2023-03-17 13:26:24 UTC

Reward: Seeing how students from all backgrounds gain opportunities they would not have in other districts

2023-03-17 13:26:27 UTC

Reward

2023-03-17 13:26:28 UTC

Systemic change that changes outcomes for students, families, and communities

Creating a better lived experience for people of color (students and families)

2023-03-17 13:26:36 UTC

Fear

2023-03-17 13:27:07 UTC

There is only allegiance to this initiative in WORD and not in DEED.

Self-growth and reflection. I will be better doing my job and being more compassionate to my stakeholders.

2023-03-17 13:27:17 UTC

2023-03-17 13:27:24 UTC

Reward: Serve as an advocate for the underserved and marginalized.

Seeing a culture change

2023-03-17 13:27:32 UTC

Reward - set a role model to kids who look like me what they could achieve in the future.

2023-03-17 13:27:35 UTC

Rewards & Risks

2023-03-17 13:27:39 UTC

rewards: working under leadership that is color under a predominantly white county

risk: being overlooked due to color

Reward

2023-03-17 13:27:39 UTC

Changing outcomes for students and families of color and influencing staffs' attitudes and beliefs.

risk: under represented

2023-03-17 13:27:47 UTC

Reward

2023-03-17 13:27:51 UTC

A cultural change to the current environment to embrace all people for a more positive work environment.

Risks

2023-03-17 13:28:02 UTC

Alienating certain groups while trying to provide equity to others

I get to help employees, students and parents.

2023-03-17 13:28:04 UTC

We have the opportunity to truly give all students access to be successful

2023-03-17 13:28:10 UTC

Reward: able to shape kids mind

2023-03-17 13:28:13 UTC

2023-03-17 13:28:18 UTC

Reward: Dismantle the status quo

Reward: the marginalized voice will be elevated, or at the very least have a seat at the table in all decision making

2023-03-17 13:28:22 UTC

I will be able to understand different perspectives from different racial communities

2023-03-17 13:28:25 UTC

Fear- Some will disengage and only comply and not really dig deep to change their belief systems to help students of color

2023-03-17 13:28:34 UTC

Reward: better opportunities for professionals that are not white

2023-03-17 13:28:36 UTC

The possibility of change for us to realize that there is strength in diversity.

2023-03-17 13:28:39 UTC

Risk

2023-03-17 13:28:46 UTC

"Angry black man" label

Risk: retaliation

2023-03-17 13:28:51 UTC

Risk

2023-03-17 13:28:52 UTC

Not enough population in current admin pool to represent

Fear

2023-03-17 13:29:09 UTC

The personal and professional tolls of doing this work.

Risk - The real change will take a long time and people might lose patience

2023-03-17 13:29:17 UTC

Risk: being stereotyped and judge based off the stereotypes

2023-03-17 13:29:21 UTC

Fracturing relationships that interfere with getting work successfully completed

2023-03-17 13:29:29 UTC

Reward

2023-03-17 13:29:29 UTC

Seeing how employees from various backgrounds feel valued

Risks

2023-03-17 13:29:36 UTC

The unintentional load leaders of color must carry in this work and the pushback received when challenging anti-racism with those of the dominant culture

Risks

2023-03-17 13:29:38 UTC

Retaliation
Demotion
Being victim of acts of aggression or further marginalization

Reward: making a difference

2023-03-17 13:29:41 UTC

Fear- WE are working under the assumption that all people believe in justice and antiracism. When and how will we address covert racist who secretly hurt children and disregard parents of color.

2023-03-17 13:29:43 UTC

Reward

2023-03-17 13:29:43 UTC

Better able to serve the members of my team, and them using the example I set to better serve our diverse student population

Reward

2023-03-17 13:29:44 UTC

Becoming more self-reflective

2023-03-17 13:29:49 UTC

Reward: Serve a leader who does what is in the best interest of all students

Fear

2023-03-17 13:29:58 UTC

Not being understood

Strength in Diversity

2023-03-17 13:30:03 UTC

Risk

2023-09-13 12:20:35 UTC

The hyper-intellectualization of this topic, which is how it feels so far, will result in another checked box of antiracism training without effecting real change.

Being heard. Being respected

2023-09-13 13:29:57 UTC

Hope

2023-09-13 13:30:32 UTC

Being respected

Realistic

2023-09-13 13:31:03 UTC

My hope is that the issue that is happening in the county is realistically being solved with doable actions of change.

Hope

tiffany_a_howard — 2023-09-13 13:31:11 UTC

I hope that real changes are made for children, families, and staff. That this is not more lip service.

Risks: proposing new ideas that have merit but require consideration from those who are accustomed to making their own decisions.

2023-09-13 13:31:24 UTC

Fear: Being criticized, held to higher expectations than others. Feeling like everyone around me is looking for that Gotcha moment to bring me down.

2023-09-13 13:31:26 UTC

Hope

2023-09-13 13:31:27 UTC

That this work will not be lip service and will change interactions among school staff and between school staff and students.

Hope

2023-09-13 13:32:03 UTC

I am hoping this focus will result in more diversity in leadership and actual changes to the structures that have been proven to not serve students. One example that frustrates me is the overwhelming response from students, teachers, and community about wanting to keep some of the aspects of the schedule from distance learning and that being rejected

Fear

2023-09-13 13:32:08 UTC

Meaningful change will not occur and students of color will continue to be marginalized in MCPS

Reward

2023-09-13 13:32:15 UTC

Working within a system that is working towards healing and fixing what has been broken for a long time

Reward

rabiah_l_george — 2023-09-13 13:32:16 UTC

Lead and be a part of teams that are reflective, thoughtful, and acting on creating change to create an antiracist system.

Rewards:

2023-09-13 13:32:26 UTC

Embracing and understanding all perspectives

Fear

2023-09-13 13:32:33 UTC

Not being heard

Fear

tiffany_a_howard — 2023-09-13 13:32:49 UTC

Our ideas and vulnerability will continue to be praised in public, but frowned upon in private. No change will be made and the status quo will remain.

Hope

2023-09-13 13:32:58 UTC

I hope that children of different backgrounds can achieve successfully instead of taking one's resources to fill the other.

Hope

2023-09-13 13:33:06 UTC

New ideas will be received with consideration from those who have to make the final decision that impacts change for the better.

Fear

rabiah_l_george — 2023-09-13 13:33:15 UTC

We get stuck in the resistance and find ourselves still in this same place two, five, ten, etc. years from now.

Fear

2023-09-13 13:33:15 UTC

Not being heard or understood

RISK

2023-09-13 13:33:39 UTC

Having your intentions misinterpreted to FAVOR underrepresented students and families and therefore working against white and asian students that have benefited from inequities and would like to continue in their places of priviledge

Fear

2023-09-13 13:33:43 UTC

Not being able to mobilize staff to action because this work is not seen as a priority or as a non-negotiable

Reward

2023-09-13 13:34:32 UTC

Being an influencer of change

Fear

2023-09-13 13:34:41 UTC

Lack of safety

Rewards:

2023-09-13 13:34:45 UTC

New strategies under collaboration without threat and insecurities will accomplish the purpose for which the strategies were developed to do.

Hope

2023-09-13 13:36:39 UTC

I hope we can achieve not just a sense of "belonging" and comfort and safety but also work toward restoring a sense of "dignity" for all involved in any interaction or setting.

Fear

2023-09-13 13:38:36 UTC

That many think MCPS is fussing over nothing.

Reward

2023-09-13 13:38:56 UTC

Seeing a culture shift where everyone is heard and the powers to be are transparent and their intent is purposeful on behalf of the students well-being and safety.

Risk:

2023-09-13 17:19:35 UTC

Being misunderstood, perceived as aggressive when being assertive. Being labeled and or perceived as problematic.

Hope

2023-09-13 17:19:57 UTC

My hope from this experience is that there is a greater approach in overall leadership as to how students need to be approached to avoid the same struggles and to the same degree that has occurred historically.

Fear

2023-09-13 17:20:18 UTC

that I won't be taken seriously as a model minority when speaking on behalf of our Black, Hispanic/ Latino students

Hope

ashley_m_bell — 2023-09-13 17:20:44 UTC

That we will always consider and see humanity, first.

Hope

2023-09-13 17:21:02 UTC

Hope this training is somewhat effective and does not have to be repeated in another 5-10 years.

Fear

2023-09-13 17:21:12 UTC

Is there true depth and will there be greater acceptance and understanding of one another as a result of this learning?
Also, is focusing so much energy on race/being an anti-racist enough right now?

REWARD:

2023-09-13 17:21:19 UTC

Fear

2023-09-13 17:21:24 UTC

Fear - that MCPS will rush to 'implement' anti-racism practices and not get it right or ensure that all voices are heard

Reward

2023-09-13 17:21:42 UTC

Feel empowered to better understand others who are considered minority groups.

Hope

2023-09-13 17:21:46 UTC

I hope we hold ourselves and others accountable for disrupting the racist practices and policies that DRIVE our system.

Fear

ashley_m_bell — 2023-09-13 17:22:10 UTC

This work only feels relevant or necessary to those directly and negatively impacted by racist practices. Where will the true investment come from, otherwise?

Fear

2023-09-13 17:22:25 UTC

Fear - that despite all the learning focused on anti-racism, the typical school experience for students of color will remain the same.

Feeling obligated to speak up and out when anti racist structures are not being upheld within school communities/ workgroups but then being placed in a position where you are now responsible for constructing a solution.

nadiyahaherrera — 2023-09-13 17:22:35 UTC

REWARD:

2023-09-13 17:22:58 UTC

Hope

2023-09-13 17:23:07 UTC

I hope that MCPS will continue to increase their diversity in attracting staff and are continuing to be sensitive to cultural differences and that this training is not only lip service.

Hope

2023-09-13 17:23:14 UTC

That what we are doing not only benefits our students of color but also our parents of color, who often feel disenfranchised and not empowered to be proactive for their kids.

Lack of solidarity when speaking out against white supremacy culture in MCPS.

nadiyahaherrera — 2023-09-13 17:23:16 UTC

Risk

ashley_m_bell — 2023-09-13 17:23:20 UTC

Being seen as a crusader because I'm black or being seen as unjustly or unnecessarily making "everything" about race.

REWARD:

2023-09-13 17:24:23 UTC

Hope

2023-09-13 17:24:48 UTC

That what we come up with as solutions are implemented and found to be effective and the communities actually recognize the outcomes of all the work. The goal should be that the communities and the families feel a difference when comparing what they felt in the past and what they feel in the future after implementation.

Ambiguity: Threat/Reward

eupil_k_muhn — 2023-09-13 17:25:15 UTC

In this individual's perception, the notion that ABAR defines our work as a system is heavily assumed and is not communicated explicitly enough to change the mission statements of every office in the service of students and the schools that they attend. As a result, there is great ambiguity in everyday practice that continues - year after year - to yield no actual measurable change in the schools that each of our offices indubitably support.

Fear

2023-09-14 13:29:18 UTC

No changes will actually occur and people will just complete the trainings out of compliance.

Fear: Being tagged the go-to black person on everything black.

senaidapsharifture — 2023-09-14 13:29:28 UTC

Hope

2023-09-14 13:29:43 UTC

I hope that we are able to walk away from the learning/ training with something that becomes transformative for our students/ parents.

Fear

2023-09-14 13:30:53 UTC

That this initiative will be another check box for leadership and staff alike and we will continue to see the opportunity gap widen.

Reward

2023-09-14 13:31:21 UTC

Last night at BTSN I was proud of the many Latinx parents signing up for English classes. There was a sense of priority in wanting to advance their education to get ahead in the U.S.

Perceived as

2023-09-14 13:32:23 UTC

Fear

2023-09-14 13:32:31 UTC

Entitled communities and those with differing opinions in our community preventing this knowledge from being learned and implemented by asserting that it goes against "their beliefs."

Hope

2023-09-14 13:33:24 UTC

A hope for change... I hope that more people hear how minorities feel as well as understanding the challenges that minorities face everyday. I hope the more people are exposed, the less people have an excuse/reason to hurt others.

Hope

2023-09-14 13:33:33 UTC

That those who are disrupting and dismantling the systemic issues will be affirmed and elevated. Empowerment of those who are doing the work.

Inspire my Latine and Hispanic students to believe in themselves.

2023-09-14 13:33:34 UTC

risks and rewards

2023-09-14 13:33:36 UTC

opportunities to self-reflect and share experiences with one another; give future generations more positive experiences

the risk that some will see this as a temporary change rather than something that needs to be ongoing

Reward

2023-09-14 13:34:09 UTC

Having the ability to create more meaningful change in those communities that have been marginalized historically.

Reward: to see impactful change

senaidapsharifture — 2023-09-14 13:34:32 UTC

Reward

2023-09-14 13:34:36 UTC

Helping our children to learn how to advocate for themselves through our work

Hope

2023-09-14 13:34:45 UTC

I remain hopeful that this work we are engaging in is recognized by those in power. It is time for action, and those who are boots to the ground understand the importance of action. In these spaces we are able to be reflective and honest and it is my hope that this continued learning structure will make an impact to elicit change.

HOPE

2023-09-14 13:35:11 UTC

As someone who is biracial, it has always been difficult individually to find a space to be understood and accepted. Seeing how the county is increasing intentional learning and understanding of BIPOC people and embracing the learning of different backgrounds brings me hope that there will be space for us. It is important as a system to continue this work to empower those that have not had a voice.

Concern

2023-09-14 13:35:46 UTC

My concern is that the decisions are not made from a position of research and actual knowledge and instead chosen based on the loudest or most influential/dynamic voices in the room. The ideas that come from the most heard are not necessarily the best ideas. Just because a person identifies as a marginalized person doesn't mean they understand how to best make decisions to decrease disparities. I just learned the term lateral aggression (violence) which relates to people from underserved communities hurting other people from underserved communities and therefore helping maintain white culture. This is also difficult to address in mixed groups since we don't like to be seen "infighting". I think using affinity groups more will help to decrease the likelihood of this happening. The path to learning and understand the concepts and educating yourself around racism, whiteness, oppression and anti-racism has certain touch points for everyone although we may start at different points.

The rewards could be that people are open to learning and they will change and grow personally, professionaly and psychologically. The risks in this training is that the majority race will be defensive and shut down out of feelings of guilt vs acknowleding the TRUTH about the expereinces of people of color.

2023-09-14 13:35:57 UTC

Risk

janitailove — 2023-09-14 15:37:39 UTC

I think the ultimate risk is to ourselves. There is a constant undercurrent of harm done on the daily. Some of it is a direct impact - something being done directly to me or indirectly or mico-ly...its all sort of becomes the same after awhile...just plain old hurt. SO there is a psychological risk for not only standing up against the machine that is MCPS but there is also the risk of just existing in a system, culture that hates people that look like you.

Reward

janitailove — 2023-09-14 15:40:53 UTC

The reward comes when we move from learning to doing, from talking to accountability, from vision to implementation. The reward comes when the MCPS leaders can hear from white folks and still say, we are making this decision in the best interest of anti-racism and in an effort to dismantle marginalization of BIPOC in the system. I want to believe that this day will come.

Hope

2023-09-14 17:24:33 UTC

I hope for tangible change in policies and procedures. I hope that this leads to a change in perception of our students of color

Hope

amanners — 2023-09-14 17:24:38 UTC

There is still a need for more diversity with staff of color across our schools in MCPS. How will MCPS continue to address this issue?

The rewards could be learning how to engage in these conversations with other staff without coming off defensive and/or it looks personal.

2023-09-14 17:24:45 UTC

Hope

2023-09-14 17:25:05 UTC

That we as a system move towards leadership representation (central office and schools) where we mirror that of the student body and families we serve.

Reward

2023-09-14 17:25:09 UTC

Applying my learning to teaching kids how to be anti-racist so that they can disrupt racism and build an anti-racist community together.

Fear

amanners — 2023-09-14 17:25:46 UTC

The revert to old practices and no sustainable change over time

Reward: Learning about different cultures practices and incorporating that into my vernacular when I am talking and thinking about kids.

2023-09-14 17:25:49 UTC

Risk

2023-09-14 17:25:50 UTC

A risk is carrying the burden of having to be the one to advocate which can be retraumatizing.

Fear

2023-09-14 17:26:04 UTC

That there are people in the space who portray belief and talk about the ABAR work but internally, don’t believe in the need for it. Colorblindness…gets us NOWHERE and back every time.

Rewards

2023-09-14 17:26:13 UTC

Being able to engage in conversations about race and the implications the are being put on our students without having to lead that conversation.

Hope

2023-09-14 17:26:40 UTC

I hope that we can take what we learn and use it to advocate for inclusion, and see the "invisible" inequity that is embedded into some of the policies and procedures we work with daily.

Fear

2023-09-14 17:26:53 UTC

No internal change within ourselves to actually acknowledge that we have institutional/systemic racial issues within our system.

Fear

2023-09-14 17:26:54 UTC

The training is just a check in a list of mandatory things to do.

anicamperez — 2023-09-14 17:27:02 UTC

Reward:
Providing a voice to the voiceless
Risk:
Being vulnerable, communicating, sharing the pain...only to be exposed and for there to be no change forward in a more productive and successful directions

Risk

2023-09-14 17:27:27 UTC

Same story, different day. As a African American woman, I am tired of explaining microaggression and racism to others.

Fear

2023-09-14 17:27:27 UTC

Only leaders are getting this training. What about the teachers who make the biggest impact in the classroom.

Fear

2023-09-14 17:27:29 UTC

We embark on this journey with excitement and lose steam when certain policies that guide the decision-making in this county remain oppressive.

Fear

2023-09-14 17:28:10 UTC

How much of this actually gets down to staff on the ground.

Hope

2023-09-14 17:28:17 UTC

Engage students of color in after school spaces that will allow them to connect to areas of interest, learn new skills, and develop in ways that the academic space may not allow or nurture.

Fear

2023-09-14 17:28:32 UTC

Not being taken seriously, or just hearing people say "we hear you" with no action when advocating for change

Fear

2023-09-14 17:31:00 UTC

The sharing of personal stories/experiences is viewed as divisive, untrue, and/or not a big deal, as if bias, racist behavior is just something ppl of color are making up.

Hope

2023-09-14 17:33:09 UTC

Not having to code switch in certain spaces bc I am received as my authentic self.

Hope

2023-09-15 13:31:44 UTC

I hope to find new effective strategies and perspectives to provide services to students with color including people who look like me.

Hope

blair_j_johnson — 2023-09-15 13:31:47 UTC

To find confidence in being able to speak up without feeling like the "token" or like you're carrying the weight of your entire race.

Hope

2023-09-15 13:31:51 UTC

The professional learning leads to active change in the district.

Fear

blair_j_johnson — 2023-09-15 13:32:38 UTC

I fear that this experience is going to be like other experiences where we're helping our white counterparts understand how we feel. I'm tired.

Concern

2023-09-15 13:33:02 UTC

Having the equity initiatives being viewed as a 'checkbox' item and not taken seriously by others who are not of color.

It can be difficult to have discussions about race and white privilege with my white colleagues/acquaintances without them feeling defensive...so I stray away from these uncomfortable topics.

2023-09-15 13:33:23 UTC

Risk

2023-09-15 13:33:45 UTC

That information shared will be used against people of color in the long run.

Fear

2023-09-15 13:33:51 UTC

This work isn't being taken into consideration when decisions are being made and discussions are happening on the ground.

Hope

2023-09-15 13:34:37 UTC

This work goes beyond the walls of Gude and is actually used to interact with the students and families.

I am not sure how to respond at this time. I am not seeing how this training will impact me. We are always required to participate in trainings that regurgitate what we already are doing and mimic our life experiences. In addition, we are the ones often speaking at these tables while our non colleagues of color say nothing. Frustrating!

2023-09-15 13:34:45 UTC

Hope

2023-09-15 13:34:48 UTC

Reward

2023-09-15 13:34:52 UTC

a reward is to be able to learn about others' views, perspectives, cultures, experiences, and values so that together we can become more inclusive and accepting. The risk is that the training is just another "box to check" and that some walk away with no actual learning or growth or change for the positive.

Reward

2023-09-15 13:35:10 UTC

I am excited about being an interrupter of Racism in all spaces!

Hope

2023-09-15 13:35:19 UTC

I hope that more open conversations can be had about equity without fear.

Reward

2023-09-15 13:35:19 UTC

Understanding people's personal stories and lived experiences, recognizing our own implicit biases, and using this knowledge in our daily work.

Reward

2023-09-15 13:35:28 UTC

Having team members learn and understand a different perspective from sharing learned experiences

Hope

2023-09-15 13:35:49 UTC

I'm hoping that the learning and reflecting will impact the way in which we support schools.

Fear

2023-09-15 13:36:48 UTC

Concern

2023-09-15 13:37:03 UTC

I worry that despite all of these trainings, nothing will change because the root problem is at a higher, more powerful level.

Hope

2023-09-15 13:37:08 UTC

is to hear from what our white counterparts have to say and see it put into practice in all parts of the county.

Fear

2023-09-15 13:37:46 UTC

Fear of feeling inadequate during discussions and not being able to contribute thoughts to the conversation because of my privileged background but hope that I will be able to learn how to help students feel heard

Reward

2023-09-15 13:38:20 UTC

I feel grateful to be a part of a district that is engaging in courageous conversations regarding anti-racism and putting in the work to enact change. Other parts of our nation are not engaging in this paradigm shift. I hope that we will continue to see an upward trend in dismantling racist belief systems.

Fear

2023-09-15 17:21:24 UTC

I fear being included, but not belonging.

Hope

2023-09-15 17:22:33 UTC

That those within the room will not ne judged by their color and that participants will begin to truly listen to one another.

HOPE

2023-09-15 17:22:55 UTC

I'm hoping that we will truly move beyond just talking about it and begin to ALL be invested in the work that will lead to change.

Fear

2023-09-15 17:23:02 UTC

That regardless of the work that has been done and the work that we are doing that things do not move forward. That our district will remain the same and that the message will be that our district has done all of this work and has made gains but it reality that would not be accurate.

Fear

2023-09-15 17:23:07 UTC

That nothig will change - that those in positions will not consider how current practices and policies have a negative impact on students

HOPE

2023-09-15 17:23:12 UTC

MCPS, as a bureaucracy, will be COURAGEOUS in their effort to be antiracist.

Hope

2023-09-15 17:23:21 UTC

I am hopeful that schools will work towards inclusivity and reducing racism and prejudice.

Fear

2023-09-15 17:23:22 UTC

Being heard but not being listened to. I think that when I share my own personal experiences with racism people hear me, pat me on the back, and continue on with their lives because it doesn't impact their daily lives.

Fear

2023-09-15 17:23:34 UTC

No accountablitiy for staff to change their practices

Hope

2023-09-15 17:23:34 UTC

I hope that people do not assume anything about me. I hope they are open to ask questions of wonder to seek to understand me.

Hope

2023-09-15 17:24:27 UTC

The conversations move forward and that this district learns from each other and other perspectives.

Reward

bethlehem_beru — 2023-09-15 17:24:30 UTC

Being actively and intentionally invested in addressing my own bias so I can grow and evolve in my cultural competency and better support both colleagues and students. This ongoing work we all have to be invested in to becomeanti-racist leaders.

Reward

2023-09-15 17:24:33 UTC

Breaking harmful cycles.

Fear

2023-09-15 17:24:34 UTC

I am fearful that the work/effort won't lead to change.

Hope

2023-09-15 17:24:40 UTC

I hope that the learning leads to actionable change which will directly have a positive impact on academic, social-emotional, and well-being outcomes for students.

FEAR

2023-09-15 17:24:53 UTC

AR Training is a "checkbox" to say that action has been taken to make MCPS appear that they have been antiracist.

Hope

2023-09-15 17:24:59 UTC

I hope that through interactions, whether it is comfortable or not, it reinforces ABAR practices.

Hope

2023-09-15 17:25:06 UTC

That Anti-racist learning and practices are engrained in every fiber of our system. That acknowledgement and recognition of differences is what unites us, not divides us.

2023-09-15 17:25:11 UTC

Hope: That the momentum behind this work will continue.

Fear

2023-09-15 17:25:13 UTC

I am fearful that racism is so ingrained in people's values and beliefs that it is hard to change that mentality no matter how many conversations and trainings are had.

Hope

2023-09-15 17:25:14 UTC

That the work that is being done will actually create systemic change. As a member of the MCPS community my whole life, it would be amazing if I work with others to create the community I needed as a child for my own MCPS children.

Fear

bethlehem_beru — 2023-09-15 17:25:14 UTC

Feeling helpless. Seeing the impact of macro level events and how they hurt micro level progress.

Fear

2023-09-15 17:25:25 UTC

Being silenced.

Fear

2023-09-15 17:25:28 UTC

My fear is that we have a lot of great reflection and discussions around Anti Racist Anti Bias topics but what is actionable so we are able to see the impact at the school community level. We need to work on beliefs and expectations while moving forward into areas of discomfort to inact and ensure true change. Change is scary for everyone but it is desperately needed.

Hope

simoneageness — 2023-09-15 17:25:31 UTC

I hope that as a result of the Leader Learning sessions that MCPS as a whole will make shifts in their beliefs and behaviors that will result in increased student achievement, well being and safety in our communities.

Fear

2023-09-15 17:25:37 UTC

I fear that change will not happen due to people not being held accountable. I hope to effect change when given the opportunity
.

2023-09-15 17:25:44 UTC

Fear: Those who are not taking the training will continue to harm children

Hope

2023-09-15 17:25:56 UTC

I hope that this leader learning will allow people to build their cultural proficiency when interacting with others and not limiting people or putting them into boxes such as stereotyping and causing a glass ceiling when trying to pursue opportunities.

Fear

2023-09-15 17:26:15 UTC

Staff and leaders will go through the motions in anti-racist trainings and return to their same harmful behaviors/cycles at their workplaces/schools

Hope

bethlehem_beru — 2023-09-15 17:26:17 UTC

Our students will see and develop their own understanding of becoming anti-racist leaders now. And they go on to support and advocate for all communities

Fear

2023-09-15 17:26:28 UTC

That I don't belong.

Hope

2023-09-15 17:27:15 UTC

I hope through the various trainings there is realistic and effective methods and strategies that will be used to become a more inclusive and anti-racist school system.

Fear

2023-09-15 17:27:33 UTC

That I will walk away feeling more dragged down and traumatized than before the work started...

Hope

2023-09-15 17:27:54 UTC

MCPS students, families, and staff leave MCPS better than when they arrived.

Hope

2023-09-15 17:28:20 UTC

That this work will become action.

Fear

2023-09-15 17:28:56 UTC

That the efficacy of anti-racist response is judged through the effort, and not the execution of practice

Hope

2023-09-15 17:30:00 UTC

Being respected

Fear

2023-09-15 17:30:39 UTC

Being Judged

Risks

2024-02-21 14:26:46 UTC

Potential blow-back. Negative responses to anti-racist training.

Hope

2024-02-21 14:28:20 UTC

Learning will continue throughout all leadership within the county.

Concern

2024-02-21 14:29:03 UTC

After 26 years and lots of equity training there has not been much change in how our black and brown leaders are treated and how our black and brown employees in schools are treated. I am tired.

Fear

2024-02-21 14:29:04 UTC

That we will continue to have to look around the room before we speak our truth.

Fear

2024-02-21 14:29:46 UTC

My experiences are used as an example for someone else's learning

Risk

2024-02-21 14:31:35 UTC

White leaders don't really want to hear the truth about how the decisions they make impact policies that negatively impact our black and brown studies. Speaking the truth only labels you as being negative.

Hope

celitamlewisdavis — 2024-02-21 14:32:03 UTC

It is my hope that we can really begin to feel safe in MCPS. Sometimes being a black woman can be complex. You either try to give an ethnic look and be respected, or you have to be subtle so that others won't think you are hostile. It has been a challenging experience here, and my hope is for others to be able to flourish without having to give up their cultural identity and beliefs along the way.

Fear

2024-02-21 14:32:27 UTC

I am vulnerable with a group of people and I'm not sure if they care or if they are truly interested

Hope

2024-02-21 14:32:59 UTC

If we open the eyes and minds of two to five white leaders then maybe our students will directly benefit from that.

Fear

2024-02-21 18:21:03 UTC

Nothing will change

Fear

2024-02-21 18:21:33 UTC

I am fearful that change will not occur.

Fear

2024-02-21 18:21:35 UTC

MCPS will just get better at covering their tracks.

Hope

2024-02-21 18:22:29 UTC

That mindsets shift and people become cognizant of who they are what they do and who they impact. Change is coming. Hopefully sooner rather than later

Risks

2024-02-21 18:22:30 UTC

When you speak about the inequities that black and brown children experience, you're playing the race card.

Hope

2024-02-21 18:22:34 UTC

That people will become more aware of the hidden bias that educators, students and leaders of color face daily and how it affects morale, outcomes, participation etc.

Hope

2024-02-21 18:23:12 UTC

MCPS will create a systemic change (which will likely take nearly a decade, based on research, to fully implement and infuse into the culture and climate).

Fear

2024-02-21 18:23:47 UTC

That this time will end up being a superficial compliance session for many participants and will not result in impactful changes after.

Fear

2024-02-21 18:23:58 UTC

That this is just a checkbox for MCPS-the problem goes deeper than this level of participants in MCPS.

My hope is to be a change maker and be able to use my voice to inspire others to see color and work to understand/appreciate each other more.

2024-02-21 18:23:59 UTC

Hope

2024-02-21 18:24:03 UTC

If we continue to engage in the conversation, people will have more understanding around issues of racism and equity. As people understand more, the more positive changes can occur.

Fear

2024-02-21 18:24:03 UTC

I am afraid it is only mentioned a surface level and actually causes people pretend and continue what they have bern doing

Concern

2024-02-21 18:24:19 UTC

Lack of action when it comes to the anti-racist work that we engage in.

Hope

2024-02-21 18:24:34 UTC

My hope is that these conversations become more than words and actually translate into action. Disrupting racism within our schools requires more than talking about what can or should be done. It requires doing what needs to be done.

Risk

2024-02-21 18:24:35 UTC

MCPS may deliver this training and just have wasted a lot of time and money if nothing changes.

Hope

2024-02-21 18:25:42 UTC

Hope everyone learn about others and things cultures so we can understand each other better and dismantle racism

Concern

2024-02-21 18:27:05 UTC

How do we ensure that all leaders and staff (school-based and non-school-based) are held accountable for this work? We are still being evaluated using an evaluation system that is not aligned with the anti-racist work that MCPS says it is committed to.

Hope

2024-02-22 14:34:15 UTC

My hope is that my colleagues will take this work seriously and not participate in these trainings to check a box and say that they did it.

Hope

2024-02-22 14:34:24 UTC

That someone is able to think about something in a different way, no matter how small.

Fear

2024-02-22 14:34:26 UTC

I fear that trainings like this make people uncomfortable, defensive, and resentful towards people of color. I hope that they sit in this negativity and reflect on how it may translate to their work and daily life.

Hope

2024-02-22 14:35:01 UTC

My hope is that MCPS is using these trainings to create actual change at the systemic level. I hope to continue to learn about myself and how I can show up for race and equity in my work. And I hope to develop more skills/strategies for being a disruptor.

Concern

adria_n_snyder — 2024-02-22 14:35:09 UTC

I am always concerned that my experience as a woman of color is not "black enough". I have been othered by people that look like me in the past, so this space is uncomfortable.

Fear

2024-02-22 14:35:09 UTC

My fear is that some taking this training will not get anything from it OR that they will use this information against people of color rather than to help the problem

Hope

2024-02-22 14:36:16 UTC

That leaders at the school level realize that it is the entire school staff population that must be able to work and understand challenging learners, not just the few teachers of color to handle these learners.

Reward

2024-02-22 14:36:21 UTC

Cultivating caring and antiracist educators and an antiracist system. Recognizing that change is required to support all students.

Hope

adria_n_snyder — 2024-02-22 14:36:22 UTC

I hope that this work moves the needle of understanding across MCPS. I hope that this work can make it into the curriculum so teachers can appreciate the differences of students in their classrooms.

Hope

2024-02-22 14:37:50 UTC

That people will see me as a qualified person to hold my role based on my skills and background - not because I am the only non-White person in my office and they needed a person of color.

2024-02-22 14:37:51 UTC

Hope that we actually see a change for the better instead of creating more division

Rewards

2024-02-22 14:38:05 UTC

A huge reward would be for system leaders to take the issues of being a person of color into MCPS into account and be willing to make positive change

Fear

2024-02-22 14:38:46 UTC

My fear is that this is another to-do list item for MCPS. With all the turmoil and unrest, it's hard to imagine that MCPS is actually prioritizing this work, and I honestly doubt it will. As a central office worker, I am shocked by the racism and bias I see and hear from my colleagues, people who are supposed to represent students and communities across the board. I am also deeply concerned about how politics seem to overshadow student needs, and I'm afraid this is just how it is in this district.

Fear

2024-02-22 18:36:03 UTC

I worry that this training will not promote anti-racist work and rather just check off a to do item for the county. This is work that needs to be prioritized and I wonder how the county can implement ways to get this done with true buy-in from members of all levels.

Hope

2024-02-22 18:36:37 UTC

Hope that by continuing the work that people will begin to have more understanding and that will invoke real change.

Concern:

2024-02-22 18:37:21 UTC

that there will be new systems in place but there will still be challenges for students, parents, and staff on interpersonal levels.

Hope

2024-02-22 18:38:47 UTC

That ALL (or at least more) offices/departments will begin to be held accountable for doing the work instead of it always falling on the same go-to leaders/offices.

Fear

2024-02-22 18:39:04 UTC

Fear because I want this to be a safe place for conversation and change but am fearful because there are some in this room that have caused trauma personally regarding this topic. This also creates hope that by being at this training that maybe they have realized the value of this work and and have changed mindsets moving forward.

Hope

2024-02-22 18:39:07 UTC

That change will ultimately take place in the MCPS and that it will lead to more equitable, quality educational experience for students of color.

Hope

monikaalopez — 2024-02-22 18:40:29 UTC

I hope that my experiences throughout my lifetime living in another diverse city (Miami, Florida) and now Montgomery County, Maryland, has provided me with an abundance of experiences with different races/ethnicity of inviduals, ensuring my fair practice/treatment of others. Being a Latina/Hispanic woman myself, I have experienced some immediate stereotypical assumptions that have made me feel uncomfortable in given situational contexts. With this said, I am always cognizant of my communication and treatment with/of others.

Hope

2024-02-22 18:46:57 UTC

I hope that this work deeply challenges our biases in ways that cause us to see students and their families in more authentic ways. I hope that will make us see the value in everyone that we serve and support. In turn, we will be truly invested in contributing to educational experiences that take students/learners to their highest capacity and fully prepare them for their most meaningful participation in their respective communities. To me, this means figuring out how to work together in good faith to make sure our relations, climates, and practices promote healthy development of all students.