Dr. Erica Buchanan-Rivera

@ericabrivera.bsky.social

Educator. Consultant. Advocate for a just world. Author of “Identity Affirming Classrooms: Spaces that Center Humanity” 💕💚

My second book, ‘The DEI Practitioner’s Handbook’ will release at the end of this month. It is a part of the Equity and Social Justice in Education series via Routledge Publishing. I hope you check it out and share with others. We need courageous leadership!

Another example of students leading the way as a result of leaders who fail to denounce racism. Dr. Angela Davis reminds us that accountability must be coupled with justice. “No justice, no peace. We take the streets to make sure change is on the agenda.”

Lincoln-Way East students walk out to denounce racism their classmates directed at Homewood-Flossmoor peers

Student organizers planned the walkout to stand with Homewood-Flossmoor High School and send a message that the behavior does not represent the broader Lincoln-Way East student body.

wbez.org

My second book, The DEI Practitioner’s Handbook: A Guide for School and District Leaders in Pursuit of Educational Justice, will release in September. I started writing this book while serving as a Chief Equity and Inclusion Officer in 2020, and I’m excited to share it with the world.

The DEI Practitioner’s Handbook:A Guide for Schools and District Leaders in Pursuit of Educational Justice. (Book Promo)

The work of creating equitable environments doesn’t cease just because someone says DEI is dead. As educators, we still have intentional work to do.

“Approximately 10,000 refugees who were scheduled to fly to the US have had their flights canceled and no new bookings will be made, a State Department memo says. The memo also says that case processing is suspended, effectively shutting the program.” www.wishtv.com/news/refugee...

Flights canceled for refugees who were slated to travel to US

US refugee admissions suspended by President Trump's executive order, impacting thousands of refugees with flights canceled.

wishtv.com

Project 2025 has already been in motion within most states, including Indiana. Dissolving one of the largest public school districts in Indiana that serves more than 80% students of color is an intentional choice from lawmakers. www.wfyi.org/news/article...

Legislation would dissolve IPS, four other school districts. Then charters take over

The proposed Indiana House Bill 1136 would dissolve Indianapolis Pubic Schools, Gary Community Schools, Tri-Township Schools, Union Schools, and Cannelton City Schools.

wfyi.org

You have every right to reevaluate your circles, and distance yourself from people who have revealed their true selves this season. It’s okay to leave toxicity behind and build communities around you in 2025 that lead with love, justice, and truth.

No one should have to live in a country where mass shootings are normalized. I’m grieving for families who have experienced a loss of life due to senseless acts of gun violence. It doesn’t have to be this way, and collectively we could use our power to change these outcomes. Yet…

“Beloved community is formed not by the eradication of difference but by its affirmation, by each of us claiming the identities and cultural legacies that shape who we are and how we live in the world.” bell hooks It’s hard to believe she left this world 3 years ago today.

Picture of bell hooks

Reminder: If you are committed to justice-centered work, today would be a good day to reevaluate your circles. Who inspires you to become a better version of yourself? Who do you need to collect for a critical conversation in loving accountability? Who do you need to let go in 2025?

Yes, we do need support! My first book, Identity Affirming Classrooms: Spaces that Center Humanity, has a wide reach in higher education and school spaces, but the quantity of reviews convey otherwise. If you have read my work, please review it! It helps authors tremendously.

jenn m. jackson@jennmjacksonphd.bsky.social · 2y ago

Every time you go on Amazon or Goodreads to leave a review for Ta-Nehisi Coates, Ibram X. Kendi, or Alexander Chee, leave one for a first-time Black woman author, too. We need support so much more than well-established millionaire male authors.

One of my dear friends recently shared this w/ me: “You are the only person I know who says ‘this ain’t working for me’ and will leave a situation for better. Many folks will endure harm, but you model for us that it’s okay to change.” Honestly, it was one of the best compliments I have received.

Nikki Giovanni’s writings had a powerful impact on my life. Her words were soothing while navigating spaces where misogynoir resided. She empowered me to walk in my truth and be my unapologetic self. What a gift she was to all of us. Rest in power. www.npr.org/2024/12/09/n...

Renowned poet and Black arts movement icon Nikki Giovanni dies at 81

The poet and activist was a leading figure of the Black Arts Movement. Giovanni was working on her upcoming book of poetry, set to publish in the fall.

npr.org