With an introduction by Sheila Washington Warren, Founder/Executive Director of PPU & Susan Anglada Bartley, PPS Educator

In October 2018, the Portland Public Schools Board of Education adopted, by Resolution 5736, their priorities for 2018-19.  According to that text, “Portland Public Schools' vision is this:  Every student, every teacher, and every school succeeding.  The school district's mission is that every student by name is prepared for college, career and participation as an active community member, regardless of race, income or zip code.”

Recently, the Portland Parent Union (PPU) invited the PPS Board of Education to engage in an open dialogue about the community’s concerns regarding the progress of the board’s goals via an open letter on Medium (https://medium.com/.)

Specifically, Sheila Washington Warren, Founder/Executive Director of PPU and Susan Anglada Bartley, PPS Educator, expressed apprehension about the disparity of educational opportunities for students on the East side versus students on the West side of Portland. This RACE TALKS event will provide an open forum—with an introduction by Warren and Bartley, for PPS Board members to talk with students, parents, and concerned citizens, in facilitated discussion groups and hear first-hand their concerns regarding equitable opportunities and outcomes for all students.

This series deals with race in Oregon, both historically and up to the present time, to provide learning experiences that support the development of racial identity and sensitivity.

Each month, Kennedy School hosts a presentation on a different topic of ethnicity and racial elements in Oregon history, given by educators and/or experts in the topic at hand. The aim is to provide educational and learning experiences that support the development of intercultural sensitivity and racial identity.

This event is eligible for a History Pub Stamp