School Colors

Exploring the fight for self-determination in education in Central Brooklyn post-1968 strikes, featuring the struggles of community control movements and the establishment of alternative schools. Delving into the challenges of navigating educational structures, including limited board powers and centralized regulations. Highlighting the advocacy efforts of educators like Dr. Lester Young and Adelaide Sanford for marginalized communities. Unpacking the impact of the fiscal crisis on NYC schools, revealing competitive tensions, lay-offs, closures, and budget cuts. Reflecting on ongoing resistance in education and the uncertainty surrounding the district's future.

Exploring the 1968 NYC teacher strikes in Ocean Hill Brownsville, the clash over community control, and the lasting impact on education and race relations. Delving into the complexities of Black and Jewish New Yorkers' connections, student experiences, and the fractured relationships. Unveiling racial tensions, manipulation tactics, and post-strike connections. Reflecting on community mobilization, educational activism, and the turbulent times in Central Brooklyn.

Exploring the clash over community control of public schools in Ocean Hill-Brownsville, leading to a historic teachers' strike. Highlighting black empowerment, defiance, and resilience amidst racial tensions. The episode delves into the dynamics of Junior High School 271 and Leslie Campbell's impact on education and activism in Bed-Stuy. Tensions rise as the community fights for school closure, revealing deep-rooted racism and discrimination.

Explore the history of Central Brooklyn, from Black nationalism to struggles in education. Learn about early Black settlements, school integration efforts, and challenges faced by black students. Hear personal stories of activism, overcoming obstacles in education, and the impact of societal shifts on the school system.

Bedford-Stuyvesant is one of the most iconic historically Black neighborhoods in the United States. Community School District 16 covers about half of Bed-Stuy. And almost every school in District 16 is hemorrhaging kids. Something is wrong. But today’s crisis is just the latest chapter in a story that goes back 200 years. Black people have been fighting for self-determination through their schools for as long as there have been Black children here in Central Brooklyn. This is School Colors: a new podcast from Brooklyn Deep about how race, class, and power shape American cities and schools. CREDITS Producers / Hosts: Mark Winston Griffith and Max Freedman Editing & Sound Design: Elyse Blennerhassett Original Music: avery r. young Production Associate: Jaya Sundaresh School Colors is a production of Brooklyn Deep, a citizen journalism project of the Brooklyn Movement Center. Made possible by support from the NYU Metropolitan Center for Research on Equity and the Transformation of Schools and the Carnegie Corporation of New York. More information at our website: www.schoolcolorspodcast.com.