Just like a river: The Power of Community Leadership

Session Type: Symposium

Abstract

The poem, The Negro Speaks of Rivers, describes the depth and power of rivers (Hughes,2002). Hughes highlights the history of rivers and how his soul has grown deep like a river. Like rivers, Communities can be a powerful force to influence change (Martiskainen, 2017). Studies suggest, the power of community to advance change is built on trust and shared experiences. These shared experiences are often connected to interests and culture (Martiskainen, 2017). The Lyrics of Change Gonna Come, (1964), also refers to the depth and tenacity of the river, and its ability to keep on rolling (Cantwell, 2015). The proposed symposium explores community-led strategies developed to address the disproportionate impact of COVID-19 on low-income and communities of color.

Sub Unit

• World Education Research Association

Chair

• Sheryl Evans Davis, San Francisco Human Rights Commission

Papers

• The Latino Task Force - Jessica Campos, San Francisco State University; Valerie Tulier-Laiwa, The Latino Taskforce

• MegaBlack SF: A Change Gonna Come - Sheryl Evans Davis, San Francisco Human Rights Commission; Shakirah Simley, Booker T. Washington Community Service; James Spingola, Collective Impact

• Divided We Harm, United We Heal - Shakirah Simley, Booker T. Washington Community Service; Sheryl Evans Davis, San Francisco Human Rights Commission