Post after post, news segment after news segment are filled with incidents of hate. Riding in the car with family on the way home today, I came across a post that anchored my stomach to the ground.

"If this high school is having problems, how long has it been predominantly African American?"

This comment was taken from a video that has gone viral on Twitter. A citizen spoke at a school board meeting against the removal of certain structural pieces of history. He referenced slaves obeying their masters.

When is this going to change? When will people's hearts be transformed? When will the hatred end?

I began to write this poem in the car after watching this horrific clip multiple times in disbelief. I think I found myself thinking, "Surely, the message will be different when it plays again."

I give you, a poem from the pain in my soul, "When?"

I invite you to subscribe to Intelligogy and share your thoughts on Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram @TraciBrowder or @Intelligogy. https://tracibrowder.com/

This is a special episode - a must-listen for every educator, every administrator.

If you've listened to the podcast at length, you know about three series: Monday Matters Rethinking SEL, Equity Talk Tuesday, & Woke Wednesday Rockin' Remote Learning. Today's episode focuses on elements of all three series.

Celebrating students is an essential element of every classroom and every school. Amplifying voices and honoring diversity should be woven into the fibers of every moment of every day.

You will be amazed at what happens in a classroom when we are intentional about mental health, equity, and diversity. Be sure to listen to the full episode, student voices are woven into this episode and the talent is absolutely mind-blowing.

Please share your thoughts by tagging @intelligogy or @TraciBrowder on Twitter. I'd be honored if you would consider sharing this episode with other educators and continuing the conversation....how are you celebrating student voices?

Recorded 1 week prior to its release, Traci was just returning to school after the historically catastrophic Texas Winter Storm of February, 2021. In this episode, she makes a heartfelt plea to educators to slow down and connect with students...connecting over teaching, connecting over assessing. As Traci dives deep into the conversation, her son walks into the room, and you know what that means...it's a conversation between the mom and son duo!

Listeners get to hear a teen's perspective of returning to school after disaster and how teachers engaged with students on their first day back.

This conversation promises to challenge your thinking, direct you to reevaluate how you connect with students, and reflect on your prioritization of instruction and social emotional needs of students.