16 Amazing Black Men and Their Advice for Young Students

Father’s Day is a day to celebrate all the wonderful fathers in the world. However, for Black people, Father’s Day has too often turned into…

Who’s Watching Out?

Outrage: Who’s Protecting Our Kids Why does a fifth-grader have to go to her school board to beg for protection from bullies? “Hi my name…

Her School Didn’t Just Get Her Through College, It Got Her Through Tragedy

Three people, two tragedies and one college visit shaped April Austin’s post-secondary dream of becoming an occupational therapist. Growing up, April’s grandfather loomed large in…

It’s Time to End Violence and Create Beloved Communities

As a young man in Chicago, I can tell you that sometimes, being listened to is all you need. It can open the door to…

Chicago’s Students Are Standing Still on Test Scores But That’s Good News

Sometimes no progress represents real progress, especially when you’re talking about an urban school district roiled by financial woes and a national exam that has…

Meet the Student Activists Fighting Against Gun Violence

They’ve been all over the news since February, walking out of class, marching for their lives in the streets and dunking on the president of…

Want to Stop the ‘Summer Slide’? Convince Kids Summer Learning Can Be Fun.

We figured it would be a breeze recruiting families for our summer program. We hired creative, experienced, rock star teachers who wanted to reinvent summer…

School Counselor of the Year Kirsten Perry Isn’t a Savior, She’s Just Here to Help

In just two years, school counselor Kirsten Perry has served as a catalyst for transforming North Lawndale Community Academy, a neighborhood elementary school in one…

Even When Your Kid Has Special Needs, Sometimes You Gotta Back Off and Let Them Make Their Own Choices

My younger daughter is one of the greatest joys of my life. She is full of energy, gives great cuddles and has a fantastic imagination,…

My Neighborhood Was Terrorized by Police Raids But It Was the Teachers Who Kept Us Safe

Most years, I celebrate Teacher Appreciation Week with smiles and maybe a nice card for my daughter’s teacher. This year, I’m appreciating the teachers in…