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Branta Lockett moved through her educational odyssey at the highest levels. W.E.B. DuBois would have absolutely drafted her for his Talented Tenth All Star Team. Highly Gifted and Talented, International Baccalaureate, Brown University, she brought her sterling credentials to Denver, hoping to be the difference for all students, especially Black students.Her first two years as a Denver teacher were, simply put, "great." But by year three, things began to unravel. She witnessed disproportionate disciplinary actions taken against Black boys. Still new to the work, she became a voice of advocacy for students and community. Her evaluation scores took a jarring dip. She changed roles, and found no support in any of them. Between COVID-19 and anti-Black dynamics within the union, she took the leap.The 5280 Freedom School, inspired by the Civil Rights era's Mississippi Freedom Schools, launched first as a summer program. After having their charter initially rejected, they are poised to open their doors in "Harlem of the West," the Five Points neighborhood.This story is at once a cautionary tale and a call to action. Learn more at www.5280freedomschool.com; follow them on socials @5280freedomschool.Check out our partners quetzalec.com.

It's been a season of change in #TooDope Nation! With Gerardo firmly entrenched in the dark side, and Kev still holdin down the block, it was past time to catch up. In this episode, we catch up on the work we're doing, talk about these education streets, and make some resolutions for 23.Support the podcast on Patreon.Want great abolitionist PD for your community, school, or district? Check out Quetzal Education Consulting.

A long time ago, I got a chance to connect with my friend Luis Antezana, former classroom teacher and founder of Juntos 2 College and DACA recipient. Born in Bolivia, Luis has long wanted to provide undocumented students with the resources for post-secondary life, not limited to college, but also in terms of financial literacy, planning, and entrepreneurship.For more information visit https://www.juntos2college.com/To connect with our sponsor, head over to https://www.quetzalec.com/And to support TooDope Production, check us out on https://www.patreon.com/toodopeteachers