Navigating the Complexities of Equity: A Demo of the AIR BLAAC Book (Webinar)

On September 4, 2019, the Southeast Comprehensive Center (SECC) offered a webinar, which:

• Gave participants a first look at the AIR BLAAC Book (described below);
• Grounded equity-related understandings, plans, and actions in local, immediate, and historical realities linked to human and civil rights;
• Provided opportunities for state and local leaders to engage in dialogue aimed at addressing equity issues for school improvement and effective implementation of Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) plans; and
• Moved participants to take action for educational equity.

Navigating the Complexities of Equity concludes the SECC Equity in Action Webinar Series. It featured the AIR BLAAC Book, a compilation of resources developed under the leadership of Taishya Adams, Chair of the AIR Black Latino African American Caribbean (BLAAC) Diaspora Network employee resource group. The AIR BLAAC Book—which was inspired by The Negro Motorist Green Book, a mid-20th century guidebook for African-American travelers written by Victor Hugo Green—was designed to facilitate cultural competence and information sharing in support of educational equity.

During the webinar, AIR BLAAC Diaspora Network (AIR BDN) officers and members—Taishya Adams, AIR BDN Chair; Carolyn Rugamas, AIR BDN Documentarian; Chris Times, AIR BDN Community Supports Liaison; Robyn Madison-Harris, Ed.D.; Beth Howard-Brown, Ed.D., SECC Director; and Tammie Causey-Konaté, Ph.D., SECC Deputy Director—facilitated a conversation based on excerpts from the AIR BLAAC Book that illuminate key equity issues.