"A" is for Antiracism Series

As a component of our statement on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, TACEE resolved to create a "strategic plan for putting our anti-racist commitment into action."

As a first step towards this end, TACEE reached out in an effort to organize a full day of training aimed at bringing the complex racial issues facing ECE today to light. Denisha Jones, Takiema Bunche-Smith, Kisha Reid, Ijuuma Jordan, and Ashley Brailsford Vaughns agreed to contribute their expertise and experiences. Together, they created a day filled with critical analysis, reflection, and hope for the future of ECE in Tennessee.

Recordings of these seminars are available below. Just click each image to open a video of the session.

From Theory to Practice in Early Childhood: Black Children Thriving

Led by Takiema Bunche-Smith with Denisha Jones as Moderator

This workshop pulls on the wisdom of Black families, scholars, and educators to explore a strenth-based approach to education and supporting Black children. Participants leaned how addressing disparities for Black children and creating a vision for them to thrive must begin at birth.

Teaching Through Being

Led by Kisha Reid with Denisha Jones as Moderator

This workshop explores how being a black teacher to white (non-black) children can be a teaching tool. Kisha uses photo documentation, anecdotal stories, and reflecting questions to explore the role of teaching children outside of her race and the considerations she must hold as she plans to implement anti-racist programming. Participants gained an understanding of how to implement cultural diversity where there seemingly is none.

Rethinking Police as Community Helpers in ECE; Inspiring and Protecting #BlackJoy

Led by Ijumaa Jordan and Ashley Brailsford Vaughns, with Denisha Jones as Moderator

The recent uprisings against white supremacy and inquiries into policing and justice invite scrutiny of our own practices and values. This workshop focuses on critical collective practice, first connecting our work to this larger context and then designing concrete changes to how we work in response to what we value.

Ijumaa challenges the prevalent narrative that police officers are "community helpers" who "protect and serve" people by explroing how children develop racial and cultural identity, reviewing the history of American policing as it relates to ECE, and working with the resistance that some feel in responses to questioning long-help stories, such as the individual "good cop/bad cop."

After examining the systemic harm and loss of life caused by police, participants used anti-racist strategies to implement restorative justice models and create more equitable ways to resolve conflict.

Ashley ended the day reflecting on opportunities to inspire joy in our classrooms and daily lives. Participants collaborated on ideas for protecting the joy of Black children, families, and educators.

Tennessee Association for
Children's Early Education

Reaching Potential Together

Tennessee Association
for Children's Early Education