In the spirit of Black History Month, many of us at COSEBOC are reflecting on the question, What does Black History Month mean to you? For some of us, this answer comes easily. For others of us, it takes more reflection. But as we write this month’s e-news, all of us hold Black History with honor, celebration, humility and continuous learning. With the arrival of February, and in the spirit of Black History, we are delighted to start our February e-news with Ron Walker's latest essay: Working on Knowledge Equally (Woke): Why Black History Matters!
From Our Blog
Working on Knowledge Equally (Woke): Why Black History Matters!
As we enter February, the designated month for the appreciation of Black History, a critical question may arise from those who are not Black. That question might be “why does Black History matter?” This looms large given Florida’s recent rejection of a proposed College Board Advanced Placement course on African-American Studies. Some of the reasons provided were that the course included topics such as the movement for Black lives, Black feminism, and reparations, as well the inclusion of certain Black authors whose writings touch on critical race theory.
Upcoming Events
In February, as we pay tribute to Black History, we also honor Love. Who better can we bring to the conversation about both these topics than Dr. Yolanda Sealey-Ruiz? We are very excited to open our season of Conversations With Thought Leaders with a discussion on how to design curriculum in a culturally responsive way that empowers Black and Latino male students. At the heart of this exploration we ask the question, What does Love have to do with it?
Join us on Zoom  with educator, poet, activist, and interrupter Dr. Yolanda Sealey-Ruiz on Thursday, February 9, 4pm ET.
Also, mark your calendar and register for these additional free virtual events:
Thursday, March 2, 2023
Sharlonda Buckman-Davis
Thursday, March 23, 2023
Ron Walker, Timothy Jones and Kamau Ptah
From COSEBOC Partners & Supporters
Profound Gentlemen is hosting their 8th Annual Community Impact Assembly, a conference by and for male educators of color. This is an opportunity to connect with male educators of color across the nation while gaining skills to use in your professional career. Registration is open. Click here to register! Financial assistance is offered for any educators who’d like to come but can’t cover the cost. If you have any questions, please reach out to Wayne Terrell at [email protected]
The Center for Black Educator Development is hiring teachers and professional educators for Summer 2023 to work in Camden, Detroit, and Philadelphia! Freedom Schools Literacy Academy gives current K-2nd grade scholars an opportunity to boost their literacy skills, strengthen academic confidence and experience the joyfulness of having their racial identity centered and affirmed. Working for the Freedom Schools Literacy Academy can truly be a life-changing experience! The reality is that most of us go through our entire educational journey without a Black teacher to look up to, someone who can mirror our racial identities, cultural experiences, and futures full of possibilities. Applications are now open: http://thecenterblacked.org/teachers
We end this month’s e-news by acknowledging that today is the birthday of poet Langston Hughes, whose poetry speaks eternally to our hearts, keeping our dreams alive.

The Dream Keeper
Bring me all of your dreams,
You dreamer,
Bring me all your
Heart melodies
That I may wrap them
In a blue cloud-cloth
Away from the too-rough fingers
Of the world.

~ Langston Hughes
COSEBOC | Coalition of Schools Educating Boys of Color
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