Blog

Putting Out Teacher Burnout

September 8, 2022

It’s that time of year again — we are all back in school! Districts across the country are hiring teams to serve our nation’s children. As a former superintendent of public school districts in St. Paul, Minnesota; Austin, Texas; and Atlanta, Georgia, I know how demanding these critical first weeks of school are to get…

Our Documentary Film named Official Selection of Toronto Black Film Festival in Black History Month

February 1, 2022

Defining US documentary captures and elevates student and educator voices on social justice It’s been a long road – fraught with fits and starts due to COVID – to finally be able to share some great news during the on-going pandemic, and it couldn’t come at better time because it’s Black History Month for 2022!…

Numerous Steps, Many Stones Later
Juneteenth Becomes a Federal Holiday

June 17, 2021

Progress comes in small steps or to paraphrase a wise saying: “To move mountains, you have to lift small stones.” After many steps and stones, the United States will now recognize Juneteenth as a federal holiday to recognize, celebrate, and encourage freedom. It is amazing to realize that even as recently as a few years…

CELEBRATE PRIDE MONTH

June 12, 2021

Remembering lives lost on this tragic day — and every day As I reflect on the mounting fear and concern, including my own, about crime, violence, and homicides, up 58% in 2021, sweeping across Atlanta, I am also reminded of the relevance of June 12. It is the day that those of us who celebrate…

bird and flowers Tulsa

Thank the Fallen:
Be an American Worth Fighting For

May 31, 2021

Memorial Day is the day our country pauses to remember and honor those who have died in the performance of their military duties. It’s celebrated on the last Monday in May. And, today, in Georgia, it is a beautiful day to feel the loving spirit of those who lost their lives. In my professional life…

#CHOOSETOCHALLENGE ON INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY

March 8, 2021

Little girls with dreams become women with vision Everyone needs a dream…and someone to believe in them. I was fortunate that I grew up with a mom and dad who believed that my three sisters and I could do anything we set our minds to achieve. They made sure, especially when it came to our…

sit-in

SIT-IN, FOR US
STAND-UP, CELEBRATE US

February 25, 2021

I’m joining an Annual African-American Read-In! You can too! Continue celebrating all the greatness and achievements of African Americans all year long!  Here is the live stream link to join today. Have you seen that episode of Black-ish about Black History Month? You know the one…where the kids come from school at the end of…

Meria Carstarphen

Choosing to Include:
Why I’m Honored to be Recognized by the National Down Syndrome Congress

October 22, 2020

It is my great pleasure to be honored by the National Down Syndrome Congress at its Soiree of Stars Virtual Gala.  To be recognized as an individual who has made an impact in the Down’s community is humbling and a lifelong journey of learning. I’m certainly blessed because my experience and personal story started as…

Meria Carstarphen speech for African American Heritage House in Chautauqua

The New Reconstruction:
Transforming Education for the 21st Century

August 10, 2020

I was recently honored to be invited as a speaker for the African American Heritage House (AAHH) 2020 Speaker Series. The members of AAHH invite scholars and notable public figures from around the country to discuss the lived experiences of African Americans over the last 400 years. It is an organization, informed by the African…

Remembering Congressman John Lewis:
Be bold. Be courageous. Be John.

July 21, 2020

“Every generation leaves behind a legacy. What that legacy will be is determined by the people of that generation. What legacy do you want to leave behind?” – John Lewis For me, Congressman John Lewis’ legacy will be his passion and fight for civil and human rights. He believed that access to a quality education and access…