At the Learn. Lead. Liberate. conference hosted by LAEP and 21CSLA in July, nine incredible current or recently graduated high school students participated in a panel discussion – moderated by college student Priscilla Ortiz LaChappa – about their experiences in school as Black & Indigenous students and what they want educational leaders to know.
Here are some of their thoughts and themes that came up:
Several members of the panel shared that their schools only spend a short time, if any time at all, discussing history and culture of Black and Indigenous people. They expressed that they want, deserve, and need more.
“We need our history back. We go through historical trauma. We need to have representation in the classroom. Teach beyond the textbooks.”
– Trinadad
They also shared that they are willing to take on leadership roles within their schools to help create more inclusive educational environments, but they want leaders to learn from that in a way that they can continue the positive environment for years to come after those students graduate.
“Take the initiative. Do the work. Do the learning. A lot of youth are left to lead all the work and all the movements. It’s important for you as administrators to learn from the students you have now so that you can carry that on.”
– Priscilla
Ultimately, these students expressed wanting to be heard, seen, and valued.
“As BIPOC students, the education system was never intentionally made for us.”
– Rekik
“Listen to your youth when they do say that they need help.”
– Amelia
“If there is one thing I want educational leaders to know, it is to create inclusive learning environments early on. Center the voices of young people of color.”
– Ania
“Why do you ask us what you want done and then nothing changes?”
– Samirah
“Your job as an administrator, as someone who holds a position of power, is to make sure every single student feels safe, feels seen, and feels welcome.”
– Jabez
“Our future Black and Indigenous students need better. It starts with us, and it starts with [schools] listening to us.”
– Ania
Thank you to Priscilla, Trinadad, Eshash, Amelia, Deena, Loki, Jabez, Rekik, Ania, and Samirah for your participation, inspiration, and, most importantly, leadership!
We have so much to learn from our youth. It’s time to listen and do better.