Webinar | February 10, 2025

Brown at 70: The Importance and Scarcity of Black Teachers

Hosted by the Learning Policy Institute and the Spencer Foundation

Co-sponsored by the California Association of African American Superintendents and Administrators and the National Coalition on Education Equity

Detail of painting by Jacob Lawrence, The Library

The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed in this video belong solely to the speakers, and do not necessarily reflect the perspective of the Learning Policy Institute.

More than 70 years after the landmark Brown v. Board of Education decision, the journey toward educational equity continues to be marked by both progress and challenges. What milestones have been reached? What lessons emerge from setbacks? And what strategies can advance opportunities for all students? Join prominent education and civil rights experts and contributors to a new book on this topic as they explore the historical, current, and future landscape of American education through the lens of Brown. This conversation is especially timely as fundamental rights and equity issues are being hotly contended once again.

A large body of research shows the positive impacts Black teachers have on the academic and social outcomes of Black students, students of color, White students, and White teachers. Despite this evidence, Black teachers are in increasingly short supply, posing a challenge to equity and representation in education. Addressing this issue requires thoughtful consideration of education policies and practices that can successfully recruit, develop, and retain Black teachers.

This is the second webinar in a four-part series where prominent education and civil rights experts explore the historical, current, and future landscape of American education through the lens of Brown. Learn more about the series ▸

Speakers

Travis J. Bristol, Associate Professor of Teacher Education and Education Policy, University of California, Berkeley
Desiree Carver-Thomas, Senior Researcher and Policy Analyst, Learning Policy Institute
Gloria Ladson-Billings, Researcher, Wisconsin Center for Education Research; Professor Emerita, University of Wisconsin-Madison
Tia C. Madkins, Assistant Professor, The University of Texas Austin
Na'ilah Suad Nasir, President, Spencer Foundation (moderator)

Host and cosponsor logos of organizations for Brown at 70 webinar series