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.
Workers at Alabama’s Mercedes plants vote against joining a union
The workers voted 56% against the union, according to tallies released by the National Labor Relations Board, which ran the election.
Taylor Hunnicutt is championing her home state with debut album ‘Alabama Sound’
Alabama offers a diverse symphony of swampy rock, swaggering blues, murky country, and bone-rattling soul. It’s a sound singer-songwriter Taylor Hunnicutt recently reimagined on her debut album, Alabama Sound, which is out now.
UAB building among Alabama’s first to feature ‘bird safe’ glass
Advocates hope the new glass will prevent window collisions, a leading causes of bird mortality.
Researchers look into community health impact of wood pellet production in rural Mississippi
Brown University and Tougaloo College students are testing for potential air and noise pollution near the Drax wood pellet plant in Gloster, Mississippi.
Alabama coal company sued for a home explosion is delinquent on dozens of penalties
Crimson Oak Grove Resources has been cited for 204 safety violations since the March 8 blast, many involving “significant and substantial” safety violations.
The United Auto Workers faces a key test in the South with upcoming vote at Alabama Mercedes plant
The United Auto Workers is aiming for a key victory at Mercedes-Benz in Alabama. More than 5,000 workers at the facility in Vance and nearby battery plant will vote this week on whether to join the UAW.
