Who Tells the Story: Building Bridges Through Education and Empathy
Who Tells The Story
At YWCA Boulder County, our commitment to dismantling racism is more than just a mission, it's a call to action that inspires us to make a real difference in our community. In 2021, we had the incredible opportunity to support a groundbreaking program that blossomed from a collaboration between a passionate White 6th-grade teacher and a talented Black poetic storyteller. When our CEO, Debbie Pope, learned about troubling incidents of racially motivated bullying at Southern Hills Middle School, she couldn't stand by. She reached out to the school's principal, discovering that, like many educational institutions across Boulder County and the nation, Southern Hills was in need of additional support to foster a more inclusive environment. The administration was eager to learn and committed to fostering a space where all students felt welcomed and valued.
In an inspiring move toward change, Southern Hills’ counselors, teachers, and assistant principal participated in the YWCA’s Anti-Racism Organizational training. Among them was Amanda Cherry, a dedicated Language Arts and Reading teacher who was determined to deepen her students’ understanding of privilege, racism, and equity. Seeking guidance on how to enhance her culturally responsive teaching, Amanda reached out to Debbie, who saw a perfect opportunity to connect her with Norma Johnson, a local creative force for social justice and healing, whose own experiences fueled her passion for change.
Among these efforts, Amanda and Norma launched their website called “WhoTellsTheStory,” in May of 2021, which also features their blog site. Their work aligns closely with our Reading to End Racism (RER) program. We are excited to collaborate with them to promote outreach and further engage our community in the ongoing fight against racsim.
Building Bridges: The Mission of Norma and Amanda
In a world filled with divisions and false binaries, the mission of Norma Johnson and Amanda Cherry stands as a beacon of hope. They believe that the most direct route to social change is through relationship-building. Their collaborative initiative, now entitled "Who Tells the Story," aims to empower middle school students by providing them with opportunities to forge connections with peers they might not otherwise meet. This initiative sparks meaningful connections, fostering deep understanding and empathy across diverse backgrounds.
Creating a Classroom of Connections
Throughout the academic year, Norma visits Amanda’s classroom, weaving her poetry into the fabric of Amanda’s thematic units. Each unit is guided by thread words such as Courage and Identity, serving as a foundation for the lessons they design together. In each thematic session, students first engage with Norma’s poetry, where she shares her experiences and insights, followed by activities that encourage them to connect her work to their own lives.
Additionally, the partnership extends to include Ray Ramiréz, a retired media coordinator from the Native American Rights Fund, who enriches the curriculum with stories that connect to Indigenous literature. This collaboration broadens the students’ perspectives and deepens their understanding of diverse narratives.
Students have expressed how transformative this experience has been. One student remarked, "I have shared my poem with my family and have reflected back on the poem. I would love it if your amazing poetry is shared around the world so all can feel how meaningful your work is." Another shared, "Your insights on racism help me to be more aware of how I treat people, and how to be more understanding." Such reflections highlight the profound impact of the program on the students’ lives.
Equity in Education: A Broader Vision
Norma and Amanda's efforts extend beyond the classroom. Their Equity in Education initiative targets not only students but also teachers, school district leaders, parents, and community members. They are dedicated to disrupting binaries and fostering identity exploration, believing that sharing stories can significantly enrich our collective humanity. By engaging with diverse literature and promoting critical conversations, they empower both students and educators to challenge their perceptions and embrace inclusive practices.
Cultural Events in Boulder: A Community Embrace
As part of their mission, Norma and Amanda also encourage participation in various community events happening in Boulder. Workshops, Powwows, performing arts showcases, and more provide opportunities for students and families to engage with diverse cultures and perspectives. These events not only celebrate the richness of the community but also reinforce the importance of building relationships across different backgrounds.
By attending these gatherings, participants can share experiences and learn from one another, creating a tapestry of understanding that enhances the educational efforts within the classroom and beyond.
Looking Ahead: A Vision for the Future
As the program continues to evolve, Norma and Amanda are committed to refining "Who Tells the Story" to provide a model that can be replicated by other educators within Southern Hills and the broader Boulder Valley School District. Their goal is to expand the involvement of historically and racially marginalized community members, ensuring that diverse voices are heard and valued in the educational landscape.
They are also exploring authentic ways to connect students with peers who differ from them in various identity markers. They believe that these connections are vital for fostering empathy and understanding, which are essential in bridging the divides in our society.
In the words of Norma and Amanda, “In a time fraught with false binaries and seemingly unshakable divisions, we believe the most direct route to social change is relationship-building.” Through their innovative approach, they are not only transforming lives but also paving the way for a more inclusive future.
Learn more about Norma and Amada’s work on their website HERE.