Sparking an Inner-Witness: Building Connections and Renewal With New and Veteran Educators in Antiracist Education

• In Event: Antiracist Education and Abolition in the 21st Century

Abstract

Strategically countering systemic racism requires building coalitions just as movement toward social justice requires collectivism. This study examines a network of justice-oriented education leaders within one Midwestern metro area. The study uses social network analysis, interviews, and artifacts from community events to understand the network, the experiences of leaders in organizing for systemic change, and to gain insight as to how to embrace novice teachers into a justice-oriented network. The authors found that the leaders tapped into an inner witness to engage action across cultural groups, that relationality sustains movements, and movement work sustains educators. This research will inform the development of a modern day Green Book for novice teachers, informed by the community they have recently entered.

Authors

• Abigail Rombalski, University of Minnesota

• Stefanie L. Marshall, Michigan State University