JACKSONVILLE – Dr. Diana Greene, retired superintendent of schools for Duval County and CEO of the national literacy nonprofit Children’s Literacy Initiative, will be the keynote speaker for the 2023 Urban Education Symposium on Saturday, August 26.
Hosted by MyVillage Project, the Jacksonville Public Education Fund, and 904WARD, the Symposium invites the Jacksonville community to hear from Dr. Greene, share their education stories, and imagine what education could be in the future.
“Education has the potential to be the equalizer of opportunities for Black students, but it must be grounded in community-driven solutions,” said MyVillage Project CEO and Founder Ronnie King. “It is time to acknowledge that the answers lie within our own communities, within the wisdom and experiences of those who understand the unique needs and aspirations of our children.”
“Communities Designing Curriculum” will be held August 26 from 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. at the Florida Blue Conference Center, 4855 Town Center Parkway. The day is filled with workshops and conversations featuring local educators and community leaders, and most importantly – the opportunity to elevate their perspective on education in Jacksonville. Through group discussions and one-on-one conversations, each attendee will have the chance to voice their opinions on how we can improve education in Duval County. Dr. Greene will be delivering the keynote at 11:30 a.m.
“Education is at a crossroad right now in Duval County and our country,” said JPEF President Rachael Tutwiler Fortune. “With the search for a new superintendent, advancing technology, and a wider array of options for learning environments, it’s important that we as a community share our experiences and vision for the future.”
"Education is the cornerstone of progress, and when we invest in the minds of our youth, we lay the foundation for a thriving and empowered community,” said 904WARD CEO Dr. Kimberly Allen. “The 2023 Urban Education Symposium provides an opportunity for open and honest dialogue surrounding education that in return creates a future where knowledge has no bounds.”
Community members are encouraged to sign up for interviews to share their educational experiences with younger learners. Topics can include your high school experience, early learning memories, critical and traditional life skills, the impact of the political climate, school models and funding, or the use of emerging technologies. For more information and to reserve your spot, please visit uesjax.com.
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Contact Amy Henderson ?at amy@jaxpef.org or ?404-387-0624 for more information.
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About MyVillage Project
The MyVillage Project is a community-owned education platform comprised of over 145 Black-led nonprofits. Our projects and collective programming fund the MyVillage Project Community Fund, which provides grants to Black grassroots organizations in Jacksonville, Orlando, Gainesville, Miami and Tampa, supporting education initiatives that improve overall student outcomes. For more information visit www.myvillageproject.com.
About the Jacksonville Public Education Fund
The Jacksonville Public Education Fund is an independent think-and-do tank that believes in the potential of all students. We work tirelessly to close the opportunity gap for low-income students and students of color. We convene educators, school system leaders and the community to pilot and help scale evidence-based solutions that advance school quality in Duval County. For more information: www.jaxpef.org.
About 904WARD:
904WARD began in 2015 with a small group of friends who came together to talk openly, challenge each other, support each other, and take action together to build a more inclusive Jacksonville and beyond. We are a diverse group made up of people committed to creating a community of inclusion for all of Jacksonville, FL’s residents. We take pride in mobilizing thousands of volunteers every year to create racial healing and equity. 904WARD creates racial healing and equity through deep conversations and learning, trusting relationships, and collective action. Our vision is an end to racism, so all people thrive.