Back to School S.A.I.L

Back To School S.A.I.L (Smart, Able, Intelligent, Leaders) : Assisting Black/African American Youth in maneuvering their voyage in the school system with more confidence!

Learn how to embrace and build an anti-racist, culturally responsive, and inclusive school environment that allows Black/African American children to thrive by establishing high expectations, listening and affirming their experiences and specific needs. Dr. Bannermann, Deputy Secretary of the NM Public Education Department and Amy Whitfield, Executive Director of NM State Office of African American Affairs will share opening statements leading to Dr. Kennetha L.Frye’s,PHD presentation.

Contrary to a pervasive narrative that racial disparities in education are the result of disengagement on the part of students, Black/African American youth indicate that success in school is a high priority among other competing factors.

A negative competing factor that cannot be negated is the social and racial stressors Black/African American youth face within the school system and certain communities. A new study surrounding persistent social stressors has found rising rates of depression, anxiety and other disorders in black youth, who once had lower rates than White peers.