Opportunities Reimagined: Creating Educational Equity in Atlanta and Beyond
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 60 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?
Please join us in person on Oct. 1, 2024, in Atlanta, Georgia, for the AIR Equity Initiative’s second annual symposium, “Opportunities Reimagined: Creating Educational Equity in Atlanta and Beyond.” This event will unite national experts and 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.
Event Details
As the birthplace of the modern Civil Rights Movement, Atlanta holds a unique position in the history of educational equity. Once a leader in school integration, the city now reflects the national trend of increasing segregation by race and income. This event will explore how issues of housing, school assignment, school boundaries, and transportation all intersect and affect opportunities for a quality education. Experts will discuss Atlanta’s history and highlight ongoing local efforts to foster integrated education that can serve as models both locally and nationally.
We are honored to host Carol Anderson, New York Times bestselling author and Robert W. Woodruff Professor of African American Studies at Emory University, as our keynote speaker. We are also privileged to welcome renowned civil rights leader Ambassador Andrew Young, who will bring his insights and experience serving as a member of Congress, U.S. ambassador to the United Nations, and mayor of Atlanta. Esteemed journalist and commentator Charles Blow from The New York Times and MSNBC will moderate discussions with experts in education, housing, transit, and community health and safety. Stay tuned for announcements about our distinguished panelists who will share successful, evidence-based strategies to build more equitable communities and expand opportunities for all students.
“Opportunities Reimagined” is more than just a symposium; it is a call to action for all who care about the future of Atlanta’s students. Community members, including young people, are welcomed and encouraged to attend this free public event—and to join us afterward to continue the discussion and enjoy refreshments at a complimentary reception. Together, let’s create a more equitable future for students in Atlanta and beyond.
Partners & Community Collaborators
The AIR Equity Initiative is seeking partners in and around Atlanta who share our commitment to improving educational experiences to help all students thrive, and who are interested in collaborating with us on this event. Our partners will be vital in spreading the word about the public symposium and engaging diverse communities in this conversation. Contact us to learn more.
Accessibility
Ensuring inclusivity is paramount. We host accessible events that enable full engagement for all participants. Please indicate your accommodation needs when registering or contact us for accessibility inquiries.
About the AIR Equity Initiative
In 2021, AIR launched the AIR Equity Initiative, a 5-year, $100 million+ investment in behavioral and social science research and technical assistance to address the underlying causes of systemic inequities and to increase opportunities for people and communities. By funding inclusive and collaborative research and technical assistance efforts that engage partners from the beginning, the AIR Equity Initiative aims to foster bolder, strategic, and sustained ways to advance equity, especially in areas where investment is limited. Learn more at www.air.org/equity.
About the Working at the Intersections Symposium Series
“Opportunities Reimagined” is part of the AIR Equity Initiative’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.