Brown v. Board Anniversary: Ras Baraka, Newark Teachers Union, Community Groups To Release Education Plan

Mayor elect Ras Baraka

On Saturday, the 60th anniversary of the Brown v. Board of Education decision that banned public school segregation, a coalition of unions and community organizations will host an event to release a community education plan for Newark’s public schools.

Studies have shown that the One Newark plan put forth by Superintendent Cami Anderson disproportionately affects teachers and students of color. Still, she refuses to heed the calls of the Newark community to stop the plan.

For months, the community has held town hall meetings and distributed surveys to craft a community education plan—our answer to Anderson’s One Newark. This plan emphasizes solutions that work, including wraparound services and enhanced professional development.

WHEN: Saturday, May 17, 11 a.m.

WHERE: Lincoln Park (downtown Newark)

WHO: Mayor-elect Ras Baraka, Newark Teachers Union Secretary-Treasurer Michael Dixon, the Rev. William Howard Jr. of Bethany Baptist Church, parents and students.

The AFT represents 1.5 million pre-K through 12th-grade teachers; paraprofessionals and other school-related personnel; higher education faculty and professional staff; federal, state and local government employees; nurses and healthcare workers; and early childhood educators.