Dr. Tondra Loder-Jackson, Discusses Impact of Civil Rights On Education
Birmingham City Schools have experienced segregation, desegregation, white flight and dwindling enrollment over the past 50 years. But can the system use lessons from the past to build a stronger future for its students?
Dr. Tondra Loder-Jackson, a UAB professor in the School of Education, has researched the topic and written an article entitled “The Sociopolitical Context of Education in Post-Civil Rights Birmingham.” It has been published in The Peabody Journal of Education. She has also written a book set for release in December entitled, Schoolhouse Activists: African American Educators and the Long Birmingham Civil Rights Movement.
In advance of the WBHM/Southern Education Desk Issues and Ales forum on the future of Education in Alabama, Dr. Loder-Jackson, a graduate of Birmingham City Schools, discussed her research. Here excerpts from the interview.
Research Challenges
I have to think about this topic from two standpoints – one being a child who grew up in Birmingham, but then also as a researcher. Being from the city, having strong family ties and friendships here, it means I have an affinity to Birmingham. But as a researcher, I also do have to step back and be willing to critique.
Birmingham’s Past Propels Its Future
We know that Birmingham has a strong history of Civic Capacity. And the focus has been on the 1950s and 1960s phase of the Civil Rights Movement. But when it comes to education one aspect lost on a lot of us is the role citizens played — the role that families played in transforming the school system. People like Rev. Fred Shuttlesworth, the Armstrong family, the other families that desegregated Ramsay, West End and the teachers that supported them show me that we have a long history of common citizens getting involved in democratic issues in this city.
Preparing for Changing Demographics
It’s most important that schools do right by the students who are there, irrespective of their identity. People want to see excellence. That can occur in Birmingham City Schools. I believe if we make the system excellent for the students who are currently there, that could be a magnet for those who desire diversity.
States and cities beef up security to prepare for potential election-related violence
Washington state's governor activated the National Guard to stand by to help local law enforcement as needed. Meanwhile, extra security is in place at locations across Washington, D.C.
When will mail-in and absentee ballots be counted?
Various state rules regarding when election officials can process and count mail ballots means it will likely take some time after Election Day before the results from these ballots are fully known.
When do polls close in every state? Here’s a timeline
The Associated Press can't call any races until polls close in their respective state. Here's a breakdown of when that will happen.
How has the Electoral College survived, despite being perennially unpopular?
Despite its substantial-sounding name, the Electoral College isn’t a permanent body: It’s more of a process. For decades, a majority of Americans have wanted it to be changed.
Thousands of Pennsylvania voters have had their mail ballot applications challenged
Thousands of last-minute challenges to voters’ mail ballot applications, along with baseless claims by former President Donald Trump, are adding pressure on Pennsylvania county officials.
No more fluoride in the water? RFK Jr. wants that and Trump says it ‘sounds OK’
Robert F. Kennedy, Jr.’s claims about fluoride in the drinking water are linked to Cold War conspiracy theories about the substance.
