Page 27 - BigConversationsDismantlingRacism

Growing Partnerships

One of the topics that rose to the top on exit surveys from previous activities was concern
about progress and challenges in our public schools. As a result, this became the focus for
Big Conversation VII in January 2019.

Calvert County Public Schools became a partner, along with several other churches in the
community. The Partners in Dismantling Racism and Privilege rapidly grew to include: All
Saints Episcopal Church – Sunderland, Calvert County Public Schools, Calvert Library,
Calvert NAACP, Community Mediation Centers of Calvert and St. Mary’s Counties,
Concerned Black Women of Calvert Co, Emmanuel SDA Church – St. Leonard, Harriet
Elizabeth Brown Scholars, Patuxent Friends Quaker Meeting and St. Mary’s NAACP. Each
of the partner groups brought more engagement, additional energy and followers that would
share the excitement about this continuing effort in Southern Maryland.

Progress and Challenges in our Schools:
A Community Conversation on
Dismantling Racism took place on January
13, 2019. There were over 200 in
attendance. There was diversity of age,
race, gender and religious affiliation. The
event was held at Patuxent High School in
the Southern part of Calvert County.
Panelists were chosen based upon their
various experiences on racism and privilege
in education. They reflected on the issue in
Southern Maryland yesterday and today and
shared what is being done or needs to be
addressed on equity, bias and racism in our
community schools. Their presentations
helped stimulate the conversations in the
small groups and encourage people to share
their stories. Panelists included: Dr. Daniel
D. Curry, Superintendent of Schools;
Pamela L. Cousins, School Board member;
Dr. Janice Walthour, Chair of the NAACP
in St. Mary’s County; Guffrie Smith, retired
educator and administrator of CCPS.
Guffrie also served on the Maryland State
Dept. of Education; Colonel William
Wiggins, Parent, Vice-Chair of the Citizens’
Advisory Committee to the
Board of Education, and Chief Executive Officer of The Remnant Center of Excellence.

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