KANSAS CITY, Mo. — 41 Action News anchor Rae Daniel hosted a virtual town hall with Black educators Thursday afternoon.
Guests included:
- Jermaine Thompson, Pembroke Hill Upper School English teacher and adjunct UMKC professor
- Tara Haskins, school leader of Kansas City Girls Preparatory Academy
- Samara Crawford Herrera, director of community partnerships for SchoolSmartKC
- LaKrystal McKnight, special education elementary teacher with the Shawnee Mission School District
- Deidre Anderson, CEO of United Inner City Services
- George Jefferson, educator at University Academy
- LeAnne Richardson, career and technical education instructor with Kansas City, Kansas, Public Schools
The group discussed a range of topics that touched on diversity and inequity issues in the Kansas City area.
They addressed inequity data and how they can use it as a tool for change.
The educators also highlighted how all people in the school system — not just teachers — can have an impact on students by creating a safe space where they can be brave and share their perspective.
The panel also talked about the COVID-19 pandemic and how its affected education in the last year. Surprisingly, they said, it's actually generated more genuine connections with families.
Watch the full town hall in the media player above or on 41 Action News' smart TV apps for Roku, Apple TV and Amazon Fire.
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