The Black Minds Matter Campaign builds on the work and leadership of our partners,
The BlackBoard and
The Education Trust – West’s Black Minds Matter report. The campaign is also informed by research on the current actions and services within the district, and successful programming from around the state and country.
HOW WERE THESE POLICY RECOMMENDATIONS CREATED?
The set of four Policy Recommendations for WCCUSD result from a community effort over the past year, informed by the input and expertise of over 200 West Contra Costa families, educators, elected leaders, and community-based organizations. The Black Minds Matter Study Team — a group of parents, educators, and community members representing schools from across West Contra Costa — conducted many months of research and conversations with stakeholders to develop the Policy Recommendations.
- Dr. Fatima Alleyne, Trustee, Contra Costa County Board of Education Area 1
- Elliett Alomar, Social Worker II, Children & Family Services, Former WCCUSD School Social Worker
- Sasha Graham, Parent, WCCUSD
- Dr. Shantina Jackson, Director, Beautiful Minds STEM Prorgam
- Maribel Lopez, Director of Community Leadership, GO Public Schools WCC
- Tom Panas, Trustee, WCCUSD Board of Education
- Richard Pelayo, Managing Director, GO Public Schools WCC
- Jessica Rodriguez, Program Manager, The Richmond Promise
- LaShante Smith, Parent and School Psychologist, WCCUSD
- Scottie Smith, Educational Advocate
- Jessie Stewart, Executive Director, The Richmond Promise
- Natalie Walchuk, Executive Director, GO Public Schools WCC
- John Zabala, School Psychologist, WCCUSD
Data show that West Contra Costa’s African American students experience the largest and most persistent gaps in learning and achievement in our schools. Last school year, only seven percent of our low income African American 8th graders met or exceeded state standards in Math. The goal of the Black Minds Matter campaign is to transform these realities — to improve academic and life outcomes for our community’s African American students.