Disrupter University, LLC

🌟 Hey Disrupters! 🌟

As we gear up for the new year and classes start up again in just a week or two (depending on your district), take a moment to check out this inspiring testimonial from Dashua Holiday, the Assistant Director of Towpath Trail High School, about our GOAT (Greatness Opportunity Accountability Transformation) program!

🌟 Exciting Updates Ahead! 🌟

As we embrace the spirit of the season and look forward to new beginnings, we're thrilled to share some important announcements and events that foster community, inclusion, and connection. From winter celebrations to our upcoming ACE Summit, there's so much to look forward to. Check out the details below and join us in making a positive impact! 🎉✨

1. Cultures and communities worldwide prepare for winter celebrations and traditions. Some examples include Christmas on December 25, Kwanzaa from December 26 to January 1, Hanukkah from December 25 to January 2, and Three Kings Day on January 6.

2. 8:45-9:30 a.m., Keynote Address
We all Want to Thrive: Cultivating Communities of Safety and Belonging
Brush Performance Hall, Giese Center for the Performing Arts
Erica Booker, Founder, Disrupter University
Stronger Together: Fostering a Community of Inclusivity
University of Mount Union Campus
February 1, 2025

Registration Link: https://mountunion.wufoo.com/forms/qmvykyt0jjow6e/

The University of Mount Union is proud to host the Alliance for Community and Equity (ACE) Summit, an event dedicated to fostering unity and inclusivity across our communities. This summit aims to tackle inequities and build a more inclusive environment by exploring effective strategies, frameworks, and programs. Participants will have the opportunity to engage in meaningful discussions on how to enhance the climate and culture within institutions and organizations. The summit is free to attend, and while donations to support Mount Union's programs and efforts are welcome, the primary goal is to bring people together to drive positive change.

Registration for the 2025 ACE Summit will close on January 17, 2025, at 5 p.m.

Source: Mountunion.edu

3. We are releasing a quarterly newsletter in 2025. Feel free to direct message us with topics you would like to see covered in our newsletter, and we will ensure they are featured and mentioned. Details for free subscriptions will follow!

🌍✨ At Disrupter University, we value the importance of Culturally Responsive Teaching in fostering an inclusive learning environment. Here are 3 Steps to engage students:

1. Research Cultural and National Observances: Start by conducting a Google search to find a variety of cultural and national observances that celebrate different traditions and histories. This will help you and your students explore the rich tapestry of cultures around the world.

2. Access a Calendar: Once you've gathered some observances, take the time to review or download a calendar that highlights these important dates. This visual tool will serve as a guide to plan activities and discussions throughout the year.

3. Create a Collaborative Project: Encourage your students to dive deeper into these cultures by designing a project where they create their own calendar. Ask each student or group to choose a specific culture and provide details about its observances, traditions, and significance. This hands-on project not only builds research skills but also promotes appreciation and understanding of diverse backgrounds.

Let’s come together to celebrate diversity and enrich our learning experiences! 🌟📅

What are national observances? At Disrupter University, we’re all about empowering our scholars to become amazing 21st-century learners! 🎓✨ We team up with K-12 educators to help students gain the important life skills and knowledge they need. Our chats cover a range of exciting topics, like why so many students are diving into entrepreneurship after high school and the practical steps to successfully run a business. We also explore social norms in schools, peer groups, and the wider community—plus how these are represented in the media.

Our mission? To prepare scholars for the ups and downs of “21st Century Adulting.” In today’s fast-paced world, where technology and societal expectations are always evolving, cultural observances play a key role. They remind us of the celebrations happening in our schools, neighborhoods, and around the globe, helping us understand our wonderfully diverse society.

Feeling curious? A quick Google search for national observances will show you both familiar holidays and some hidden gems that highlight various backgrounds and experiences. To thrive today, 21st-century learners need a wealth of skills. We encourage today’s adults, including our scholars, to build a diverse skill set, create an adaptable toolkit, and explore how to establish multiple income streams to chase their dreams!

🌍✨ Mark your calendars for December 10th! 🎉 We're celebrating the 76th anniversary of Human Rights Day.

🗓️ 2024 THEME: Our Rights, Our Future, Right Now.

Let’s stand together for justice and equality! 💪❤️

Disrupter University would like to take some time to acknowledge the prolific life of professor Nikki Giovanni. Professor Giovanni's powerful words connect generations, challenge societal norms, and inspire change. Born on June 7, 1943, in Knoxville, Tennessee, she emerged as a prominent figure during the Civil Rights Movement and the Black Arts Movement of the 1960s. Her work reflects the social upheaval of that era and continues to address issues of race, gender, and identity throughout her career.

Professor Giovanni's vivid imagery and emotive language resonate deeply with aspiring poets, activists, educators, and thinkers. By addressing social injustices and exploring the human experience, her poetry highlights the transformative power of writing. One of her most famous works, "Ego Tripping," celebrates the beauty and strength of Black identity and womanhood.

Let’s continue to celebrate her remarkable contributions to literature, including numerous accolades such as the NAACP Image Award and the Langston Hughes Medal. We can draw inspiration from her visionary spirit to ensure that her legacy thrives and influences future generations.

Song: An Angel Cries by Aretha Franklin

🌟 **A Look Back at Buck v. Bell** 🌟

In 1927, the landmark legal case Buck v. Bell sparked crucial conversations about individual rights and the ethics of eugenics in America. Carrie Buck, labeled "unfit" to have children, brought attention to personal freedom and societal views on mental health.

Justice Oliver Wendell Holmes Jr. controversially claimed that three generations of the "unfit" were enough, reflecting the misguided beliefs of that era. This ruling resulted in the forced sterilization of over 70,000 individuals, predominantly women of color, as highlighted in Jasmine E. Harris’s article "Why Buck v. Bell Still Matters." This troubling history underscores ongoing discussions about reproductive rights.

Buck v. Bell serves as a vital reminder to advocate for compassion and defend individual rights. Let us learn from history to ensure a future where every voice is heard, fostering a more inclusive and equitable society. ✊💖

Watch Coach Booker as she explains the main parts of the BECOMING THE GOAT CURRICULUM. Our method focuses on culturally responsive teaching. We use students' backgrounds and experiences to improve classroom instruction. Contact us today to learn how Disrupter University can work with you and your school community to create a transformative educational experience!
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