Opportunities Reimagined: Creating Educational Equity in Atlanta and Beyond
This event took place on October 1, 2024, at the Woodruff Arts Center in Atlanta, Georgia.
All students should have access to a quality public school education. The 1954 Brown v. Board of Education Supreme Court ruling mandated the desegregation of U.S. public schools and marked a significant milestone in the fight for educational equity. However, despite the progress made since then, many children still attend schools that are as segregated as they were 30 years ago, and persistent inequities remain. These ongoing challenges raise an essential question: What will it take to ensure every student has an equal opportunity to thrive?
Opportunities Reimagined brought together national experts as well as Atlanta’s educators, policymakers, and community advocates to reflect on the journey of school integration and explore evidence-informed solutions to advance equity in education.
More About the Event
Once a leader in school integration, Atlanta now reflects the national trend of increasing segregation by race and income. This event examined how housing, school assignments, school boundaries, and transportation intersect to impact educational opportunities. Experts discussed the city’s history and highlighted ongoing local efforts to foster integrated education that can serve as models both locally and nationally.
Opportunities Reimagined was more than just a symposium; it was a call to action for all who care about the future of Atlanta’s students.
Resources for Continued Learning
To support your efforts in advancing educational equity, dive into these practical tools and findings:
- Seven Lessons Learned from a First-of-Its-Kind School Integration (AIR)
- Initiative Strategies for Educators to Build Diverse Schools (The Century Foundation)
- School Integration Messaging Guide (The Century Foundation)
Speakers & Program Highlights
Keynote Address by Carol Anderson
Carol Anderson, New York Times bestselling author and Professor of African American Studies at Emory University, delivered a keynote address on the persistent inequalities that have shaped our education systems over the 70 years since the Brown v. Board of Education ruling.
Conversations Led by Charles Blow
Charles Blow, esteemed journalist and commentator from The New York Times and MSNBC, moderated action-oriented discussions with experts in education, housing, transit, and community health and safety.
Integration Past & Present: Understanding Our Past to Create a More Equitable Future
Ambassador Andrew Young, renowned civil rights leader, reflected on challenges and progress in the fight for educational equity. Ambassador Young brought his insights and experience from serving as a member of Congress, U.S. ambassador to the United Nations, and mayor of Atlanta.
James Wilson, Student Government Association President at Georgia State University, where he is studying at the Andrew Young School of Policy Studies, shared his experiences in Atlanta schools and offered his vision for an education system that works for everyone.
Beyond the Classroom: Evidence & Examples of Community Change at the Intersections of Education, Housing, and Transportation
Local leaders from Atlanta’s education, housing, and transit sectors highlighted the importance of collaboration in creating equitable opportunities for all students, providing listeners with actionable insights from local projects and the latest evidence on school integration.
Panelists:
Natallie Keiser
Executive Director, HouseATL
Jessica Johnson
At-Large Seat 9, Atlanta Public Schools Board of Education; Founder and Executive Director, Scholarship Academy
Keith Parker
CEO, Goodwill of North Georgia; Former CEO,
Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority
Event Co-Hosts
The AIR Opportunity Fund proudly partnered with the following co-hosts in Atlanta who share our commitment to improving educational experiences to help all students thrive:
The King Center | Southern Education Foundation | LEE | Aspen Global Innovators Group | Learn4Life
About the Working at the Intersections Symposium Series
Opportunities Reimagined is part of the AIR Opportunity Fund’s annual Working at the Intersections symposium series. Each year, we focus on cross-sectoral strategies to combat the impacts of segregation. In 2024, we are exploring systemic causes of educational inequity, including limited access to housing, transportation, and economic opportunities.
AIR Opportunity Fund events serve as a platform for diverse voices and viewpoints, encouraging a broad and inclusive discussion on critical issues. While these convenings aim to enrich the dialogue on equity, the opinions and perspectives expressed do not necessarily reflect those of the American Institutes for Research (AIR), its leadership, or staff.