IUSD is joining school districts across the nation in recognizing Black History Month, which is a nationwide celebration of achievements, contributions and the central role of African-Americans in U.S. history. Also known as African-American History Month, this recognition was the brainchild of historian Carter G. Woodson and other prominent African-Americans, who initially established a week of celebration in 1924. Since 1976, every U.S. president has officially designated February as Black History Month. Schools across the District will share various lessons, activities and information in honor of Black History Month.
IUSD's commitment to recognizing our diverse community, including the African-American and Black communities, goes beyond a single month. Below is more information about IUSD's initiatives and ongoing efforts, as we strive to work toward systematic change as a district.
Black Lives Matter Board of Education Resolution
Last June, the IUSD Board of Education adopted Resolution No. 19-20-48, proclaiming that Black lives matter and called for a commitment to creating an unbiased and inclusive society through education. The Board and District committed to putting the tenets of the resolution into action. This includes educating our students and community about racism and racial injustice, assessing and implementing curriculum that supports diversity, examining textbooks for inclusivity, and holding professional trainings for staff with an explicit focus on serving Black students and our diverse community, as part of our daily work.
Curricular Developments
IUSD is committed to advancing equity, access, and social justice in the classroom, which is demonstrated through our work in developing instructional planners for classroom use. These instructional planners include a range of diverse perspectives that address the California History-Social Science Framework, highlighting histories from a variety of backgrounds and commemorative events that can be interwoven into our classrooms throughout the entire academic year.
Professional Development
A teacher-led initiative that builds on the Board of Education Black Lives Matter Resolution puts teachers at the forefront of improving inclusion throughout IUSD. Our teachers have led workshops and continue to provide professional development opportunities for IUSD employees around issues of equity, access, and social justice.
Community Liaison
Shalonda Ibrahim-Abubakar, MSWI is IUSD's African-American/Black Community Liaison. Shalonda joined IUSD's Community Liaison team last year and provides the following services:
- Community and family engagement planning and implementation
- Builds bridges and partnerships between IUSD students, parents and staff
- Collaborates with key school site staff and departments related to social justice
- Provides resources and referrals to ensure that students and parents get needed services
- Advocates for parents’ and students’ needs
- Meets those in the IUSD community where they are
To learn more and to contact Shalonda, click here.