“As a proud Black man and educator, my vision is to build and sustain liberating systems that honor and celebrate the brilliance of Black and Latine youth. This work demands that young people are not only included but fully empowered as co-creators of the policies and practices that shape their education and help transform our world into restorative, human-centered spaces of belonging. The Surge Fellowship will challenge and equip me to sharpen my racial equity lens in order to lead with greater clarity, courage, and purpose. I am grateful for the opportunity to grow alongside other leaders of color who share my unwavering commitment to equity, justice, and dismantling systemic inequities for the students and families of Chicago.”
Joshua Johnson | Equity Professional Learning Specialist, Chicago Public Schools (Office of Equity)