State Takeovers, Literacy Lawsuits, and Tomorrow: The Community Struggle for Black Educational Lives in Four Acts

Detroit families have endured a quarter century of educational dispossession and malpractice catalyzed by state intervention. Beginning with the first state takeover 25 years ago, community activists have fought against the dismantling of their schools and for the restoration of their children’s educational birthright. This symposium foregrounds and celebrates the multigenerational struggle to resist state-enabled predation of the educational well-being of Detroit’s Black schoolchildren. The four presenters, each an integral participant in this struggle, share their vision of what school can be for Detroit schoolchildren when Black educational lives matter. Four speakers will be invited as panelists for the symposium: Mother Helen Moore, Lifelong Detroit Education Activist; State Board President Dr. Pamela Pugh; Aliya Moore, veteran DPSCD parent activist; and Detroit Literacy Lawsuit Plaintiff Jamarria Hall. They will lead a panel discussion, facilitated by the event organizer, which will last two hours and will incorporate audience participation and discussion.

The primary target audience is the College of Education community, particularly students, faculty, and administrators.  Members of the broader university community and the broader Detroit community will also be invited.

Refreshments and finger foods will be served during an initial welcoming reception.