August 19 – A Convening on Racial Equity in Education

In communities, neighborhoods, towns and regions across our country, we are on a critical journey:  to better understand and undo systemic racism. To support this journey, First Book, Pizza Hut and the American University’s Antiracist Research and Policy Center are launching an unprecedented partnership to empower educators – and the children they serve.

On Wednesday, August 19, we’re joining hands forEmpowering Educators: A Convening on Racial Equity in Education.This free national webcast is specifically designed to support K-12 educators – but isopen to anyone and everyone who cares about our nation’s children.Headlining this virtual convening, which runs from 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. ET, are:

• •Jason Reynolds, the National Ambassador for Young People’s Literature and an award-winning and beloved author of young adult novels;
• •Liz Kleinrock, winner of Teaching Tolerance’s 2018 Award for Excellence in Teaching;
• •Christine Platt, interim managing director, Antiracist Research and Policy Center at American University;
• •Cheryl Holcomb-McCoy, dean of American University’s School of Education; and
• •Amanda Taylor, assistant vice president of inclusive excellence at American University.

This convening elevates discussions around teaching humanity, the importance of antiracist teaching, and practical guidance for educators.

Additionally, the Empowering Educators convening will serve as the launch pad for a robust series of educator resources that First Book and Pizza Hut will unveil on August 19. This series of resources was developed based on feedback from the First Book Network of more than 475,000 educators. Seventy-six percent of those surveyed expressed the need for tools to help have effective conversations about race.