Posts Tagged ‘Rosa Parks’

Brown Decision Revisited

Sunday, May 16th, 2010

Monday, May 17th commemorates the 56th anniversary of the 1954 Brown v. Board of Education decision that ended legal segregation. This U.S. Supreme Court decision was pivotal in U.S. history because it sparked the civil rights movement and reminds us that there is an opportunity for us all to do more to uphold the intent of this mandate.

As a former elected school board trustee who advocated for equity and accountability and as the author of Leadership Building Blocks: An Insider’s Guide to Success, it seemed important to reflect about the Brown decision. Consider this:

  • The landmark Brown decision included more than 200 plaintiffs who experienced unimaginable hardships and retribution. Amazing courage was required from the parents, advocates, and students. They took the time and occasion to speak up about problems within their communities. How can we make time to get more involved in our communities? (more…)

Black History Month 2010: Reflections of Trailblazers

Sunday, February 7th, 2010

Reflecting about Black History Month 2010 and the numerous contributions of African Americans throughout history, I am reminded of a speech I delivered before the California School Board Association delegate assembly in May 2005. It was a poignant moment for me as a junior school board trustee. I was taking a stand during a high-profile school district debate about access to public education. Here are some excerpts from those remarks:

“Trailblazers paved the way for justice. Their legacy encapsulates for us a message of tenacity, civic responsibility, and courage in the face of adversity.

(more…)