Join me as I interview Emily Gonzales in California, Andre Wright in Iowa, and Nada Elmikashfi in Wisconsin–all BIPOC folks working to keep critical race theory in schools and public institutions. According to Education Week, 26 states have already introduced bills or taken steps to restrict teaching, “critical race theory” or limit how teachers and public employees can talk about racism and sexism. (NPR) This move is an unprecedented step back for the US civil rights movement and is seen by many as a rise in white supremacy. I’ll be speaking with three organizers who are making powerful moves to combat this racist turn in their own ways.
Guest Bios
Emily Gonzales serves as Executive Director of the Swell Collective, a BIPOC-led organization whose mission is to inspire, equip and amplify change agents representing marginalized communities. She is a master trainer and facilitator of radical collaboration and dialogue with an approach that centers equity and wellness. Swell Collective is convening communities of care and learning to support educators and students while the legal and political battles play out in necessary response to the extreme right’s latest assault on our collective liberation via their attack of Critical Race Theory.
Andre Wright is a fashion activist using clothing as a vehicle for change. Andre is the co-founder of Humanize My Hoodie and has dedicated his life art and fashion to standing up for Black and Indigenous people. His work recently includes collaborations with Great Plains Action Society with The Truth Will Not Be Whitewashed t-shirt and educational programming that teaches our children how to think critically about race and oppression.
Nada Elmikashfi is Chief of Staff for Wisconsin State Representative Francesca Hong and a former candidate for the Wisconsin Senate. She works at the forefront of Wisconsin’s legislative agenda to promote working-class policy and re-establish Madison’s proud progressive tradition.
