June 2019 Edition

J E F F E R S O N C O U N T Y P U B L I C S C H O O L S 

ENVISION 

EQUITY 

DIVERSITY, EQUITY, AND POVERTY PROGRAMS 

JUNE 2019 

ISSUE NO. 65 

FREE 

MALES OF COLOR 

CELEBRATION 

JCPS Recognizes 

Graduating Males of Color 

HER'D POETRY 

Hazelwood Elementary School 

Students Share Heartfelt Poems 

RESOURCE TEACHERS 

PODCAST 

Summer Reading Suggestions 

for Teachers 

AND MORE! 

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Photo by Justin Willis 

Photo, Getty Images

Above, Stellan is interviewed by NPR News. 

STUDENT VOICE A 

is Crucial to Student 

Empowerment 

By Randi Skaggs, NBCT—J. Graham Brown School 

s I pulled into my usual spot in the 

YMCA parking lot adjacent to The Brown 

School, I heard his voice. “Hi. I’m Stellan 

and I’m transgender. This is my story.” My 

student on NPR’s Morning Edition. I had chills. 

“Student Voice” is a popular concept in 

education these days, but it’s more than a 

buzzword. During my 17 years in education, 

from the South Bronx to Brooklyn to Bullitt 

County to JCPS, if there’s one thing I’ve learned, 

it’s that student voice is the key. The key to 

engagement, to classroom management, to 

academic rigor, to cultural responsivity. 

I heard about the NPR Student Podcast 

Challenge from one of my friends on social 

media. As a competitive person myself, I love 

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Continue on next page

ENVISION EQUITY JUNE 2019 

contests, but I find that students love them, too. It gives them an authentic deadline, a specific 

audience, a purpose. My Digital Storytelling class, composed of mostly 6th graders and a 

handful of 7th graders, embraced the challenge. 

We analyzed 

multiple podcasts, 

fiction and nonfiction, 

conversational, 

sound-rich, highly 

produced, simple 

stories. We pulled 

out what made 

them work. 

Noticed what 

didn’t work. And 

then, it was time 

for the student 

voice. 

Photo: Henry Zimmerman 

Students could create the podcast on any topic that interested them. No list to choose from. I 

was there to help them generate ideas if needed, but I had them spend serious time really 

thinking about the issues that touch their lives daily. I told them, as I always tell students when 

we create anything, to seriously think about the subject they choose. If it’s something they’re 

passionate about, it’ll not only create a better product, it’ll be an intrinsic motivator. Class will 

never feel like drudgery. 

Stellan knew immediately what his podcast would be about. I normally get nervous when a 

student is that decisive, because I’ve seen countless kids change course after weeks of hard 

work. But it was different with Stellan. 

Stellan is transgender, and he’s never shied away from sharing his story. It was one of the first 

things he told me about himself, letting me know that he’s even told his story publicly as part of 

his mother’s organization, Know Who I Am, which offers diversity trainings. Stellan was 

passionate about his identity as a transgender young man, and he was passionate about 

sharing his story so he could have an impact on others. 

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We were lucky enough to have Tara Anderson, Contributing Editor at WFPL and creator and 

host of the podcast, Five Things, come talk to the class about effective interview 

techniques. At the end of her talk, she offered to model the techniques shared by 

interviewing a student. Stellan was a more than enthusiastic volunteer. 

And as he shared his story with Tara, the entire room got quiet. He was so candid, so 

eloquent, so emotionally raw. Tara, a longtime friend of mine, exchanged a look with me 

that said, “Whoa. This kid’s got it.” And I knew that day that his podcast would be incredible. 

The contest stipulated that the podcasts were to be short, with no music. So Stellan created 

a simple podcast in which he shared an overview of his journey so far, then interviewed his 

older sister about what it’s like to have a transgender sibling. Stellan is charming. He’s a 

gifted writer, so his words are powerful. He’s candid and sweet. So even his first draft was 

great. 

But it was his interview with his sister that got me. Tara taught about the importance of 

going there - going to those tough places - not shying away. And Stellan did just that, even 

asking his sister at one point if she thinks he made the right decision by starting his 

transitioning process at a young age. Her answer is beautiful and touching. 

Stellan was one of three students who opted to submit their work to the challenge (the 

other two podcasts - about what constitutes a family and the effect pop culture has on us - 

were also fabulous). We had to wait over a month for the results, and the three who’d 

entered asked me every single day if I’d heard anything. 

And then finally, I did. We didn’t have a winner, unfortunately, but as the letter explained, 

our entries were all strong. Stellan’s, in particular, made it to the final stages of the judging 

process. He was very close to taking the grand prize, against 6,000 entries and 25,000 

students who participated. 

I could tell Stellan was sad. It’s hard to make it that far and not claim the prize. But soon he 

discovered that creating a public product like a podcast can still reach people. Lots of 

people. 

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We were told that the NPR show, Morning Edition, was going to air snippets of entries that 

would include Stellan’s. I was hoping to catch it as I drove to work that morning. I was thrilled 

it played before I had to leave the car, and was so touched that they saved his entry for last, 

highlighting it as one that touched upon serious issues. 

I reached out to contacts at WFPL, letting them know that a JCPS student had made it so far, 

and they came to the school to interview Stellan and play part of his podcast on air. 

And just this week, Stellan’s podcast was included in an episode of the NPR podcast, Code 

Switch. 

So no, Stellan didn’t win the podcast. But he’s already touched the lives of students and 

adults who are either transgender or have someone who is transgender in their lives. He’s 

shown others they’re not alone. He’s brought attention to a topic that is crucial. And maybe 

he’s even helped touch the heart of someone who holds prejudiced ideas against the trans 

community. 

All this for an assignment that simply assessed students’ ability to develop a story and show 

digital competency. 

Student voice shows students they matter. It helps them see the relevancy of the standards 

we teach. It makes school interesting and engaging. And it can help them reach others in a 

meaningful way, as well. 

You can listen to Stellan’s full podcast episode here. 

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Diversity, Equity, and Poverty Department 

Resource 

Teachers 

P O D C A S T 

This month the Diversity, Equity, and Poverty Department’s Resource Teachers 

(RTs) have complied a list of summer reading suggestions for classroom 

teachers. These books are intended to provide a resource for teachers who are 

seeking ways to confront their implicit biases, reflect on their teaching strategies, and 

affirm racial equity for their students. Enjoy! 

Click here to play! 

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A Mile In 

MY SHOES 

First Annual Walk to Support At- 

Risk Youth In JCPS 

By Abdul Sharif, Generalist—Diversity, Equity, and 

Poverty Programs Department 

The Office of Diversity Equity, and Poverty is always looking for innovative ways to bring 

awareness to issues affecting our most vulnerable students. So it was no surprise when 

Giselle Danger-Mercaderes and her team started to organize a walk to support at -risk youth 

in Jefferson County Public Schools (JCPS). 

Dubbed “A Mile in My Shoes” the one-mile-walk was intended to provide participants with an 

opportunity to learn about some of the barriers JCPS students face everyday. As participants walked 

the mile-long route, signs with statistics about homelessness, immigrant/refugee students, students 

in foster care, and more, were displayed to educate walkers. 

The first annual walk was attended by more than 60 individuals, and several vendors were present 

from organizations including the Louisville Metro Police Department, the Louisville Free Public 

Library, the Home of the Innocents, just to name a few. 

It is safe to say this walk would not have been possible without the countless hours of hard work by 

Giselle Danger-Mercaderes and her team in the Diversity Equity, and Poverty’s Office of Student 

Equity and Community Engagement. Check out the photos here. 

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8


Eta Omega Holds 39 th Annual Derby Brunch in Louisville. 

Awarding $62,500 in Scholarships to JCPS Students! 

By Jennifer Adams Tucker—Eta Omega 

The Eta Omega 

Chapter of Alpha 

Kappa Alpha 

Sorority in conjunction 

with the Hortense B. 

Perry Foundation held 

their 39th Annual Derby 

Brunch on May 4th, 2019 

in Louisville Kentucky. 

The Hortense B. Perry 

Foundation awarded 17 

young ladies in Jefferson 

County Public High 

Schools over $60,000 in 

scholarships to various 

Photos, Allen Hill 

local, state and national colleges including Historical Black Colleges and Universities. 

Central High School’s band performed selections illustrating exceptional talents as 

they honored the culture of HBCU’s music. A fashion show followed featuring the 

latest fashions in hats, dresses, and accessories. The Eta Omega Chapter of Alpha 

Kappa Alpha Sorority and the Hortense B. Perry Foundation has hosted this event since 

1980. Over $355,000 in scholarships have been awarded to high school seniors since 

2014. The Hortense B. Perry Foundation is an educational foundation that provides 

scholarships and grants to college bound high school seniors living in the Louisville 

Metro area. 

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The Her’d program came out of a 

need to help young Black girls at 

Hazelwood Elementary School feel 

connected to school and empowered to 

use their voices in a positive way. Her’d is a 

club about validating the experiences that 

these girls bring to the table. Hazelwood 

Elementary School teachers Debra Glover, 

and Sumer Smith wanted these young 

Photos, Abdul Sharif 

ladies to have confidence that they are 

amazing and gifted and feel like they have an adult advocate at school. This year, the girls 

were provided with opportunities to identify their own academic and personal strengths as 

well as express themselves 

through visual arts, poetry, prose 

and spoken word. 

Please take a moment to read 

some of the poetry written by the 

amazing young ladies in the Her’d 

program. These poems were 

recited at a recent poetry slam 

held at Hazelwood Elementary 

School on May 15, 2019. 

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Azeria Williams 

Second Grade | Hazelwood Elementary School 

“Over, then once again great.” 

Hate. 

People doing what they love then getting criticism. 

Why? 

Bullied. 

People doing nothing then getting picked on. 

Done for what? 

Racism. 

People getting hate for their skin color. 

But why? 

These are real questions. 

It’s no game, no joke 

Don’t play around 

No apology can be accepted. 

There shouldn’t be a good excuse. 

This is horrible. 

It’s over. 

This is what it should have been. 

Friends. 

Someone who will be by your side 

Someone who will help you get by. 

Kindness. 

Someone sharing love through the world to make it 

shine. 

Love. 

Something great, something big, something lovely 

that makes you tingly 

Something that makes butterflies in your tummy. 

Adventurous. 

Someone who doesn’t hold back 

Someone who goes further than beyond 

and I can tell that’s you. 

Photos, Debra Glover 

Over, then once again great. 

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Kaleyah Dennis 


“I Stand Up” 

You call me stupid 

I stand up, if I cry, oh please 

I stand up 

You call me dumb huh 

I stand up 

When people come around 

I don’t hide the pain boo boo 

Because I stand up. 

Point blank period sis. 


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Amen Alemayehu 


“You will never stop me” 

Your hateful words break my heart, sore 

My health bar, you hitting me, will pour 

Your eyes look red like fire that’s flaming 

You tell on me, just like blaming 

Your heart is so black like coal 

Your strong fists, can beat a foal 

I have the power of power 

Your locking me in a tower 

You always show your mischief 

You can easily blow a handkerchief 

You’re rotten as an apple 

You always ruin a chapel 

Your teeth are as sharp as a knife 

Able to kill a life 

Your hatred is low 

Your love is so slow. 

Your tears are so rough, 

You are very tough. 


13

Araya Cunningham 


“Courage Is My Belief ” 

You can’t try to bring me down 

just because you think I’m better than you 

Nope I am not 

I make mistakes 

I get into trouble and you still think I am perfect. 

The only thing I care about is courage 

Because I don’t worry about what other people think 

I am not going to cry 

Kill myself or rather die 

Because I know you are not better than me 

I’ll let you have it 

Because I am being the bigger person 

Not trying to take back the throne 

If I do I will become you 

and courage is a dance in my head telling me what is right. 

Being brave is what I need to do to stop you from looking 

down your nose 

Your power trip is not justified because courage is my belief 


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Photos, Justin Willis. 

JCPS 

RECOGNIZES 

GRADUATING 

MALES OF 

COLOR 

By Abdul Sharif, Generalist—Diversity, Equity, and 

Poverty Programs Department 

The fifth annual Males of Color 

celebration was held on May 16 at the 

Kentucky Center for African American 

Heritage. During the event, Jefferson County 

Public Schools (JCPS) recognized more than 

200 senior Males of Color who were presented 

with a certificate and an honor cord. 

Diversity, Equity, and Poverty Programs 

Coordinator Dr. Charles Davis hosted the 

ceremony and was accompanied by JCPS 

Superintendent Dr. Marty Pollio, JCPS Chief 

Equity Officer Dr. John Marshall, Jefferson 

County Board of Education members Corrie 

Shull and Diane Porter, and keynote speaker 

Dr. Brandon McCormack. 

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Dr. Davis was proud to announce that this year’s Males of Color Celebration class was the largest 

ever. Dr. Davis described how the class has grown from just 200 hundred honors in 2013 to more 

than 500 in 2019. 

The Males of Color Celebration is just one of many initiatives designed to address the needs of 

Males of Color in our district and city. The celebration was initiated from the My Brother’s 

Keeper Initiative under the Obama Administration in 2013. JCPS signed the resolution, which 

states that the district will do more for Males of Color in JCPS. 

JCPS Superintendent Dr. Marty Pollio spoke during the 2019 Males of Color Celebration and 

echoed Dr. Davis’ excitement over the increased number of Males of Color being recognized this 

year. Dr. Pollio implored students to continue their education after high school. “You’ve done a 

great job getting to this point, but your education has just begun,” Dr. Pollio stated. “We want to 

make sure that you get another degree, diploma, or certification after this so that your journey 

will continue in the education world,” he said. 

JCBE member Reverend Corrie Shull directed honorees to look up at the pictures of great Black 

leaders that hung in the 

rafters of the Kentucky 

African American 

Heritage Center. “These 

are people who have 

paved the way for 

where we are today— 

able to attend any 

university that our 

intellect will allow, able 

to live in any area of 

town that our money 

can purchase us entry. 

These are people who 

have paved the way 

from the past; you are the ones who will pave the way toward the future,” Shull stated. 

JCPS Chief Equity Officer Dr. John Marshall beseeched upon audience members to share the 

positive images from the celebration. “Where is the media?” Dr. Marshall asked. “Get your 

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phones out and hashtag ‘I am 

newsworthy,’” Dr. Marshall 

instructed students. He went on to 

say that “If I had to convince 

someone that Jefferson County 

Public Schools graduates a third of 

their Men of Color with a 3.0, they 

wouldn’t believe it. But if I said 

Jefferson County Public Schools 

locks up or has murderous kids, 

they would believe it.” 

Toward the end of the night, Dr. 

Brian McCormack—assistant 

professor and director of undergraduate studies in the Pan African Studies Department at the 

University of Louisville— gave a keynote 

address to motivate students to remember 

their history and to invest their talents back 

into their community. Dr. McCormack evoked 

the memory of recently slain artist Ermias 

Joseph Asghedom, AKA Nipsey Hussle, to give 

students an example of how they can create 

opportunities for themselves through 

entrepreneurship. 

In addition to a certificate and honor chord, a 

raffle was conducted to award several students 

with a brand-new laptop. We would like to 

thank all of those who donated laptops to 

make this raffle possible! We would also like to 

thank all of the volunteers, community members, JCPS staff, and parents for making this night 

possible. Until next year—have a great summer! 

If you would like to watch this year’s Males of Color Celebration, please click here. 

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BOOKS AS BRIDGES PROGRAM FOR 

STUDENTS: SUPPORTING LITERACY AND 

CULTURAL EXCHANGE 

By Shayne Wagner,—International Book Project 

Photos, Abdul Sharif. 

Photos provided by the International Book Project. 

I 

nternational Book Project launched 

Books as Bridges in 2007 to meet the 

growing need for higher reading levels and 

greater cultural awareness in Kentucky. Since 

then, the program has steadily grown and 

now connects over 2,500 students in thirteen 

unique countries around the world. This year, 

Books as Bridges is looking for new partner 

schools in Jefferson County to get involved! 

Every year, Books as Bridges pairs local 

classrooms with an overseas partner school, 

providing a unique opportunity for cultural 

exchange. The students write and send three 

letters to each other over the course of the 

academic year, reaching greater depths as 

time passes. The increase in detail not only 

allows an organic friendship to develop, but 

also strengthens the writing skills of the 

students. The program goes beyond letter 

exchanges to amplify learning for students. 

The Books as Bridges Coordinator creates 

and delivers personalized cultural literacy 

lessons to participating classrooms in 

Kentucky. These lessons include a 

presentation on the history of their partner 

country, as well as information about modern 

life and culture. Lesson staples include a 

traditional craft lesson and a sampling of 

food native to the partner country. 

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Interested in becoming a Books as Bridges partner classroom for the 2019-2020 year? Contact 

Shayne Wagner (shayne@intlbookproject.org) for more information! You can also follow IBP 

on Facebook and Instagram (@intlbookproject) for updates and other ways to get involved in 

our mission. 

1440 Delaware Ave. | Lexington, KY 40505 | 859-254-6771 | www.intlbookproject.org | 

The International Book Project (IBP) is a registered 501 (c)(3) not-for-profit organization, founded 

by Harriet Van Meter in 1966, which has sent more than 7 million books abroad. Our mission is to 

promote education and literacy while broadening Americans’ understanding of their neighbors, 

which we achieve by annually sending more than 300,000 books to schools, libraries, churches, 

and Peace Corps volunteers throughout the developing world and in the United States. 

19


Books for Young Readers 

Maisie’s Scrapbook 

By Samuel Narh and Jo Loring-Fisher (illustrator) 

Lantana Publishing Ltd, 2019 

Ages 4-8 

Mira’s Curly Hair 

By Maryam al Serkal and Rebeca Luciani 

(illustrator) 

Lantana Publishing, 2019 

Ages 4-8 

Maisie’s mother and father are very different. They use 

different words for things, dress differently, play different 

instruments, and cook different foods. Maisie enjoys her 

mother’s risotto and pretending she is the hero of her father’s 

tales. No matter how different they are, Maisie knows her 

parents love her in the same ways. Maisie’s Scrapbook 

shows the wonderful ways that families with dual heritages 

can share their cultures while highlighting all of the 

important things they share in common. 

The Gift of Ramadan 

By Rabiah York Lumbard and Laura K Horton 

(illustrator) 

Albert Whitman & Company 

Ages 4-8 

Mira desperately wants smooth, straight hair like her 

mother’s, not her own curly hair. She tries everything to 

make her hair straight, but nothing works. One day, after 

being caught in a rainstorm, Mira makes an unexpected 

discovery about the beauty of curly hair. 

Sophia wants to fast with her family for the first time this Ramadan. 

Her grandmother tells her that fasting will help to make her sparkly 

inside and Sophia loves sparkles! Sophia finds that it is harder than she 

expects to refrain from all food and drink for the day. She struggles to 

eat her early morning sahoor despite her grandmother’s warning that it 

will keep her full. Later, her younger brother—who is too young to fast 

—tempts her with delicious cookies. Sophia cannot resist. How will 

she ever be sparkly inside if she cannot fast? The Gift of Ramadan 

celebrates the many ways Muslims can observe Ramadan. 

Information provided by Tori Sachtleben, Louisville Free Public Library 

20


 

Professional Development Opportunities 

Title Session Code Date & Time Location Contact 

SBDM: 

Introduction to 

School-Based 

Decision Making 

(for SBDM 

Members only) 

19-20103488 June 14 

9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. 

VanHoose Education 

Center 

Dr. Shawna Stenton 

(502) 485-3056 

SBDM: Family and 

Community 

Engagement (for 

SBDM Members 

only) 

19-20103490 June 14 

1:00 to 4:00 p.m. 

VanHoose Education 

Center 

Dr. Shawna Stenton 

(502) 485-3056 

Diversity Fair 19-20103248 June 24 

8:00 to 11:00 a.m. 

Ramsey Middle 

School 

Dr. Monica 

Lakhwani 

(502) 485-7269 

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2019 Middle School Girls’ Summit 

Park Community Credit Union, and the 

Louisville Urban League are hosting the 

2019 Middle School Girls’ Summit on 

Thursday, June 20 th , 2019. Held at the 

Gheens Foundation Lodge at the 

Parklands, middle school girls (ages 

11-14) will engage with dynamic women 

leaders. They will focus on tips for 

building healthy lifestyle, financial 

literacy, and personal responsibility skills. 

Continental breakfast and lunch will be 

provided. Those interested in attending 

the summit should purchase tickets 

through Eventbrite, use link https:// 

www.eventbrite.com/e/middle-schoolgirls-summit-tickets-59078156356? 

aff=eac2. For more information, contact 

Kate McKune at (502) 815- 1159. 

4th Annual Kindergarten Readiness 

Summit: Rethinking Readiness: Smart 

from the Start! 

Saturday, June 1, 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. 

Louisville Central Community Centers, 

1300 W Muhammad Ali Blvd 

This event is for families, teachers, 

childcare providers, and the community. 

The LCCC will provide childcare and 

activities for children ages 3 to 11. The 

summit is to provide information and 

resources to all those who engage with 

children from birth to 5 years. 

Kindergarten readiness starts from the 

womb. There will be education, door 

prizes, food, and more. To RSVP or for 

questions call (502) 583-8821 and ask for 

Patricia. 

We’re Here: Louisville’s LGBTQ+ 

History in Public & Private Spaces Fast 

Class 

Tuesday, June 18, 2019 

6:30 PM - 8:00 PM 

Main Library 

301 York Street 

This Fast Class panel discussion is 

presented by LFPL’s Kentucky History 

Room in honor of LGBTQ+ pride month. 

Moderator Jaison Gardner (co-host of 

Louisville Public Media’s Strange Fruit 

podcast) will lead panelists in a 

discussion of the public and private 

gathering places that have been important 

in the social, political, and personal lives 

of Louisville’s LGBTQ+ communities. 

Night clubs, bars, public spaces, private 

homes and more will be recalled and 

celebrated by members of the community. 

This event is free and open to the public, 

but registration is requested. Call (502) 

574-1623 to reserve your spot. 

22 



23


24

Why LGBTQ? 

Demographic Data 

LGBTQ Youth: 

● 3.2 million LGBTQ youth 

● 6% of all young people (8-18) 

● 57% feel unsafe at school 

● 85% experienced verbal abuse 

BE 

A 

BIG 

! 

Mentoring Works! 

● 94% of youth in our program reported 

that they have confidence to achieve 

their goals. 

● 85% said they overcame adversity with 

the help of their Big. 

● 75% are more likely to receive a 4 year 

degree. 

● They expressed that they are twice as 

likely to experience life satisfaction. 

Mentoring through 

1-to-1 relationships can 

help LGBTQ youth facing 

adversity find success in 

education & life! 

25

ENVISION EQUITY APRIL 2019 

Editor—Catherine Collesano 

Editor, Photo Contributor—Abdul Sharif 

Credits 

Envision Equity is a publication of the JCPS Department of Diversity, Equity, and Poverty Programs. All 

submissions should be sent to Catherine Collesano at catherine.collesano@jefferson.kyschools.us or Abdul 

Sharif at abdul.sharif2@jefferson.kyschools.us. If you are interested in becoming a subscriber or a 

contributor to Envision Equity, please contact one of the editors at the above email address. 

www.jefferson.kyschools.us 

Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer Offering Equal Educational Opportunities 

26

June 2019 Edition

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