Explorations of Cultural Experiences at the Intersection of Neoliberalism and School Desegregation

• In Event: Lessons from Organizing and Coalition Building for a More Just Future

Abstract

This paper illuminates issues of neoliberalism and school desegregation in urban education through the unique contribution of a qualitative research methodology that incorporates digital video production and website design. We developed an arts-based inquiry grounded in post-qualitative inquiry with Black Crit to record video interviews with students and educators, digitize artifacts, and design and launch a website to share diverse truths and realities of schooling for urban students and educators who attended Kansas City, Missouri schools during the district’s desegregation period (1971-1997) at the height of market driven magnet and charter schools. Our participants explored their cultural memories of school desegregation and neoliberalism that ultimately undermined enrollment in the Kansas City, Missouri School District. Participants shared stories from schools with diverse perspectives of voice, which can be used to transform school communities.

Authors

• Loyce E. Caruthers, University of Missouri- Kansas City

• Jennifer Friend, Wichita State University

• Candace Schlein, University of Missouri-Kansas City

• Valerie G. Tucker, The Institute for Social Change