POCC - Day 1

Day one of the conference had both a national and local PNW feel to it. The day was book-ended with inspirational speeches from Wes Moore and Patti Solis Doyle - not to mention Charles Blockson and Zohra Zarwari. It's like a three ring circus here, so I had to make some choices; but here are links to all of these remarkable people:

Charles Blockson

Zohra Zarwari

Patti Solis Doyle

I actually spent most of Day 1 much "closer to home" as I watched a screening of a remarkable movie, Why Us? Left Behind and Dying that represents the collaborative efforts of adults and young people on the critical issue of high rates of HIV in African-American communities.
I was moved by the film; and I was especially proud that our own Rosetta Lee sponsored the presentation and has helped in developing curriculum to accompany the project. I also attended a presentation by the Head of Lakeside School and several other administrators on how they have developed their professional development for faculty and staff over the past decade or so. There is much to be learned just down the street! And, frankly, our small school has accomplished some things that we need to share with other schools.

Tomorrow, I will be meeting with several representatives from Seattle schools who are interested in discussing possible ways to engage faculty of color from beyond our region in a concerted outreach effort. Stay tuned!

Please take a look at the film trailer above. We have several copies available to us at SGS. Until tomorrow!