Creating BLESed Spaces

Redefining Education through Black Women’s Hair

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2450124/fan_mail/new] Welcome to the Season 2 Finale! In this episode of BWBK, we dive into the intricate relationship between Black hair and education. We explore how hair journeys mirror personal and professional growth, discuss the resurgence of diverse Black hairstyles in media, and reflect on the cultural significance of hair in Black communities. The conversation also touches on the impact of literature on Black women's lives, featuring book recommendations that resonate with our experiences. Join us for an insightful discussion that celebrates identity, community, and the power of Black hair. Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2450124/support] This is difficult work that we're doing, and even though we can't always be with you to bear witness, trust us, we know... Welcome home!

Black Women School Leaders

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2450124/fan_mail/new] In this episode, we sit down with a powerful guest—a Black woman principal whose journey has taken her through multiple roles both inside and outside the classroom. She shares her lived experiences navigating school spaces where Black women are often underrepresented, reflecting honestly on the struggles she’s faced and the resilience required to keep going. Our guest speaks candidly about what sustains her as a leader, how her identity shapes her leadership, and the lessons she’s learned along the way. She offers wisdom and encouragement for Black women in school leadership, as well as practical and affirming advice for classroom teachers who are trying to survive—and thrive—in similar environments. This conversation is a reminder that while the work is challenging, Black women continue to lead with purpose, care, and courage. Whether you’re an aspiring administrator, a current school leader, or a classroom teacher, this episode will leave you feeling seen, validated, and inspired. Scholarship:  Dr. Jenn M. Jackson https://jennmjackson.com/ [https://jennmjackson.com/] "Reimagining Teacher Education: Addressing the Developmental Needs of Black Women Preservice Teachers through a Hauntology Framework" by Mariah Deans Harmon https://doi.org/10.1080/10665684.2025.2565486 [https://doi.org/10.1080/10665684.2025.2565486] "The Space Traders" by Derrick Bell in his book Faces at the Bottom of the Well: The Permanence Of Racism https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/466460.Faces_at_the_Bottom_of_the_Well [https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/466460.Faces_at_the_Bottom_of_the_Well] Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2450124/support] This is difficult work that we're doing, and even though we can't always be with you to bear witness, trust us, we know... Welcome home!

Grief Pedagogy: Bringing the Dead to Life

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2450124/fan_mail/new] Welcome back, BWBK crew! This week's conversation explores the profound impact of loss and grief within the educational system, particularly focusing on the experiences of teachers and students. It delves into the complexities of navigating racism and capitalism in education, the complicity of educators in a flawed system, and the need for community support and advocacy for Black children in predominantly white spaces. The speakers reflect on their personal experiences with loss, the importance of valuing life, and the necessity of creating a supportive environment for both students and teachers. Scholarship: Some of us die: a Black feminist researcher’s survival method for creatively refusing death and decay in the neoliberal academy by Dr. Esther O. Ohito https://doi.org/10.1080/09518398.2020.1771463 [https://doi.org/10.1080/09518398.2020.1771463] Check out the Miiriya app: https://www.miiriya.com/download-app/ [https://www.miiriya.com/download-app/] Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2450124/support] This is difficult work that we're doing, and even though we can't always be with you to bear witness, trust us, we know... Welcome home!

Creating BLESed Spaces

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2450124/fan_mail/new] In this episode, we explore the charge of Black education outside of the classroom. We were lucky enough to have Dr. T. Gertrude Jenkins join us to talk about her experience providing extra-curricular education and her scholarship on the creation of Black Liberatory Educational Subversive spaces. We highlight the need for Black-centered spaces in predominantly white institutions and reflects on the significance of community engagement and scholarship in fostering Black joy and identity. Scholarship: Follow Dr. Jenkins on Instagram @your_favorite_damn_teacher Join Dissertating While Black @DissertatingWhileBlack Find out more about Making Us Matter @MakingUsMatter or at https://makingusmatter.com/ [https://makingusmatter.com/] Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2450124/support] This is difficult work that we're doing, and even though we can't always be with you to bear witness, trust us, we know... Welcome home!

The Original Alchemists

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2450124/fan_mail/new] This conversation explores the profound impact of black women on American culture, the unique challenges they face, and the importance of education in empowering future generations. We discuss the concept of 'black girl magic,' the commodification of black bodies, and the need for reclaiming intellectual property in educational spaces. We also delve into the dynamics of anti-blackness and whiteness, emphasizing the necessity of creating safe and affirming environments for black students. Scholarship: Check out our Essential Booklist! https://www.goodreads.com/review/list/190364270-bwbk?shelf=black-women-be-knowing&utf8=%E2%9C%93 [https://www.goodreads.com/review/list/190364270-bwbk?shelf=black-women-be-knowing&utf8=%E2%9C%93] Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2450124/support] This is difficult work that we're doing, and even though we can't always be with you to bear witness, trust us, we know... Welcome home!