Dawit Eshetu, PhD’s Post

As educators, we have the immense responsibility and privilege of shaping the future of all our students. However, when it comes to Black students, there’s a unique set of challenges and opportunities that we must consciously address. The achievement gap, systemic biases, and a lack of representation in the curriculum are issues that we can’t afford to ignore. Empowering Black students starts with creating a classroom environment where they feel seen, heard, and valued. This means integrating culturally relevant pedagogy, advocating for equitable resources, and challenging stereotypes that may unconsciously influence our expectations. But it doesn't stop there. We must also strive to build strong relationships with families and communities, understanding that education extends beyond the classroom walls. It’s about listening to their stories, respecting their experiences, and collaborating to support every child's journey. The success of Black students is not just about academic achievement—it's about nurturing their confidence, resilience, and sense of self-worth. When we work together to create an inclusive, affirming educational experience, we unlock the potential in every student, paving the way for a brighter future. Let’s continue to challenge the status quo and commit to doing the work necessary to ensure that our Black students thrive—not just survive. #Education #Equity #BlackStudentsMatter #EducationalLeadership #Inclusion #CulturallyResponsiveTeaching #BlackExcellence

Great article highlighting the significance of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) in educating Black and Brown students, despite facing underfunding from many states. Did you know that almost 30% of undergraduate degrees awarded to Black students are from HBCUs? It's time we show our support for these institutions and recognize their vital role in creating a more equitable society. #HBCU #HigherEducation #Equity

Henley Business School published a new report entitled "Creating Equity, Inclusion and Belonging in Higher Education: The Challenges and Opportunities for Black Academics in University Business Schools" on 10 December 2024. We are delighted to provide a statement of support for this report, which is grounded in some valuable research using interviews with Black academics and stakeholders. Find out more below👇 #highereducation #inclusion #businessschools

We're excited to share our latest blog post on an important topic: The Impact of Black Studies Programs on University Campuses. This comprehensive analysis delves into how these programs are reshaping academic environments, fostering inclusivity, and enriching the educational experiences for all students. 🔍 Key Takeaways: • Cultural Enrichment: Learn how Black Studies programs bring diverse perspectives and histories into the academic curriculum. • Student Empowerment: Discover the positive effects on students' self-identity and community engagement. • Institutional Change: Understand how these programs are driving universities towards more inclusive and equitable practices. This blog is a must-read for educators, students, and anyone interested in the transformative power of inclusive education. Join the conversation and see how Black Studies programs are making a significant difference on campuses across the nation. 📖 Read the full article here: https://lnkd.in/gHdw8UnT Let's celebrate and support the ongoing efforts to make education more inclusive and representative of all voices. #HigherEducation #BlackStudies #InclusiveEducation #UniversityImpact #DiversityAndInclusion #AcademicEnrichment #EducationReform #phdblog #phdblogger #dissertation #dissertationlife #dissertationproblems #dissertationtips #dissertationcoach #dissertationhelp #dissertationtime #dissertationresearch #phdlife

Racism, particularly anti-Black racism, is not a new issue in Canadian universities. It has a long and storied history which continues to this day. Many students have had complaints with on campus racism which have fallen on deaf ears. As students and as a province we need to do better in addressing racism felt by students and faculty on Ontario university/college campuses. For example, in her memoir Western University alumnus Eternity Martis spoke about her experience as one of the only Black students in her classes at Western University. From subtle jabs to overt threats of violence, Eternity’s story illustrates how racism can seep into all aspect of campus life, and how university staff failed to provide meaningful solutions or help. Unfortunately, the problem extends beyond that incident, at the University of British Columbia, for instance, students and faculty have called attention to the systemic forms of racism that persist on campus. One such case involved Shelby McPhee, a graduate student who was accused of stealing a laptop, based on racial profiling. Shelby’s story is not unique it is a small part of a much larger problem. Some universities have started to take action. At Toronto metropolitan university (formerly Ryerson), the university responded to the Anti-Black Racism Campus Climate Review by establishing new supports for Black students and committing to a bunch of changes. This included changing parts of the curriculum and creating dedicated spaces for Black students. These steps are important, but what can you do to make a change? It’s not enough to treat racism as someone else’s problem. As students, we all have a role to play in creating a more inclusive environment for each other and staff. We must hold our universities and ourselves accountable for the actions that we take, and the environment we create. Stop racism now! To read more about Eternity, Shelby, and more follow the link: https://lnkd.in/gJJaHR8R

🔍 The Disconnect in Higher Education Representation It's essential to address a critical issue in higher education: the assumption that all Black men share the same experiences simply based on their race. Having a doctorate and being Black doesn't automatically mean one can relate to the struggles of kids from the hood. Growing up in the suburbs is a vastly different experience from navigating life in inner-city neighborhoods. Higher education institutions often place individuals who are the "face" of diversity without considering the depth of their understanding and connection to the communities they represent. This superficial approach fails Black men from disadvantaged backgrounds by not providing relatable and empathetic role models who truly understand their struggles. We need educators and leaders who have walked similar paths and can offer genuine guidance and support. It's time for higher education to move beyond tokenism and embrace authentic representation. Only then can we create a more inclusive and effective educational environment for all. #HigherEducation #RepresentationMatters #DiversityInEducation #AuthenticLeadership #EquityInEducation #BlackLivesMatter

In celebration and reflection of #BlackHistoryMonth, we're highlighting Mercy Denedo, Associate Professor of Accounting, and her powerful Times Higher Education article that sheds light on the underrepresentation of black academics in the UK - where only 1% of professors are black - and the unique challenges they face in higher education. From systemic bias to career progression, Mercy outlines the critical changes needed to create a more inclusive and supportive academic environment for black academics. Read more 🔗 https://brnw.ch/21wNMzG #DiversityInAcademia #BlackAcademics #TimesHigherEducation

"Currently, Canada has one Black university president: Rhonda McEwen, president and vice-chancellor of the University of Victoria, which is federated with the University of Toronto.... However, there is not one Black university president in Canada who has completed a full five-year term at a Canadian university." Read the article below by Malinda S. Smith, PhD & Julie Cafley, which speaks about the lack of support and hostility Black leaders encounter in PSI. https://lnkd.in/emFY7hAn.

Black students in public schools have been left behind by their white peers for the past 10 years, and the COVID-19 pandemic widened the achievement gap. The Fortune School of Education is addressing this issue by launching an initiative to hire more teachers of color. Studies show that having teachers of the same race improves students' social, emotional, and academic outcomes. The initiative aims to increase the diversity of the education workforce and ensure that Black and Brown students have access to educators who understand their cultural heritage. The impact of having a Black teacher is especially significant for Black boys, reducing their likelihood of dropping out of school and increasing their likelihood of enrolling in college. The article emphasizes the importance of collective commitment to closing the achievement gap and ensuring all students succeed. 📰Tamara Williams ( Fortune School of Education ) 🔗https://lnkd.in/gFU2xhJS 📰 🗞️ 📰 🗞️ 📰 🗞️ 📰 🗞️ #teachersofcolor #closingtheachievementgap #diversityineducation #blackteachersmatter #studentoutcomes