Webinar Series | January - March 2025

Brown at 70: The Unfinished Journey Toward Educational Equity

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

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.

Progress, Pushback, and Policies that Matter

January 27, 2025 | Although progress has been made since Brown, racial inequality is an ongoing challenge that continues to impact the educational experiences of Black students and other students of color. To address these disparities and build a system where every student can learn and thrive, it is essential to identify existing barriers and implement policies that can ensure fairness and adequacy. Register >

Speakers

Linda Darling-Hammond, President and CEO, Learning Policy Institute; Charles E. Ducommun Professor of Education Emeritus, Stanford University
Sean Darling-Hammond, Assistant Professor of Community Health Sciences, University of California, Berkeley
Joaquín Noguera, Assistant Professor of Educational Leadership and Administration, Loyola Marymount University
Pedro A. Noguera, Emery Stoops and Joyce King Stoops Dean, University of Southern California Rossier School of Education
Na'ilah Suad Nasir, President, Spencer Foundation (moderator)

The Importance and Scarcity of Black Teachers

February 10, 2025 | 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. Register >

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)

Has Desegregation Worked?

February 21, 2025 | Since Brown, brief progress in desegregation has been made yet it has often lacked successful integration and supportive school environments. Recent political and policy shifts have reversed gains, with school segregation, which is now back to 1970s levels. Addressing this and renewing efforts for integration and equity in education requires understanding the intersections of race, school finance, and desegregation policies. Register >

Speakers

Ary Amerikaner, Co-Founder and Executive Director, Brown’s Promise
Adam Clark, Superintendent, Mt. Diablo Unified School District (CA); President, California Association of African American Superintendents and Administrators
Linda Darling-Hammond, President and CEO, Learning Policy Institute; Charles E. Ducommun Professor of Education Emeritus, Stanford University (moderator)
Gary Orfield, Distinguished Research Professor of Education, Law, Political Science and Urban Planning, UCLA; Co-Director, The Civil Rights Project/Proyecto Derechos Civiles at UCLA
Maisha Winn, Professor, Stanford University Excellence in Learning Graduate School of Education; Faculty Director of the Stanford Accelerator for Learning, Equity in Learning Initiative

Black Education and the Pursuit of Democracy

March 10, 2025 | The Brown decision aimed to build a multiracial democracy by emphasizing public education's role in fostering engaged citizens. Achieving this vision remains crucial today and demands a renewed focus on education's purpose and the role of communities in shaping our future. Brown underscores the pivotal contributions of African Americans in advancing democracy, with today’s educational goals grounded in their efforts to promote equity and societal progress. Register >

Speakers

Linda Darling-Hammond, President and CEO, Learning Policy Institute; Charles E. Ducommun Professor of Education Emeritus, Stanford University (moderator)
Carol D. Lee, President, National Academy of Education; Professor Emerita of Education, Northwestern University
Kent McGuire, Program Director of Education, William and Flora Hewlett Foundation
Na'ilah Suad Nasir, President, Spencer Foundation

Registration is required. Can’t make it during the scheduled time? Register anyway and we’ll send you a link to the recording.

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