The common narrative about integration often frames it as a clear victory—a moment when American education finally confronted injustice. But Dr. Noliwe Rooks argues the reality often led to profound losses for Black communities. Through the story of 4 generations of her own family, Dr. Rooks reveals how integration initiatives frequently dismissed Black voices and visions for education, leaving systemic inequities intact.

From policy makers to researchers, school leaders to equity advocates, the National Coalition for School Diversity national conference featured many of the brightest minds focusing on how we build up and support an education system that serves all children well. Today we share conversations of hope from the conference.

Public education is the bedrock of democracy and our best tool to create active, engaged citizens, but Dr. Eve L. Ewing argues it was never intended to do that for Black or Native students. In fact, her new book, Original Sins: The (MIs)education of Black and Native Children and the Construction of American Racism, maintains that schooling in America was created to prepare White kids for leadership, Black kids for subjugation, and Native kids for erasure.