Thank you for joining us for another episode of The Silk Stocking Sisters Podcast. In this intimate conversation, we discuss systemic inequities in education and how neighborhood demographics can shape access and opportunity. Were honored to speak with our special guest, Dawn Ballou-Anderson. Mrs. Ballou-Anderson is a graduate of the Physician Assistant Program at Emory University School of Medicine and is currently a Physician Assistant at Grady Health System in Atlanta for the past thirty years.

This week, we continue our conversation about the desegregation of schools in the North, focusing on Buffalo, New York. Mrs. Ballou-Anderson shares her story of growing up in a gang-ridden neighborhood in Buffalo, New York and navigating both the public and Catholic school systems. She reflects on the academic disparities between the two, the lack of teachers of color, the experience of being the only Black student in her 8th-grade class, and the racism she encountered from white peers in high school. Her story is one of unwavering resilience. She opens up about the transformative impact of mentorship in her early years, sharing how one supportive adult can change the trajectory of ones life.

Join us for an intimate conversation that sheds light on the many obstacles faced by Black students and the strength it takes to persevere in the pursuit of equity and excellence. Be sure to subscribe to The Silk Stocking Sisters podcast on the ALIVE Podcast Network app for more episodes!

Welcome to another episode of The Silk Stocking Sisters podcast. In this episode, we pause to reflect on our journey and examine the historical relevance of each conversation we've had so far. This podcast was inspired by the powerful narratives explored in my book, Desegregation of the New York City Schools: A Story of the Silk Stocking Sisters. My goal has been to educate, inform, and spark meaningful conversations about America's racial history, specifically, the often overlooked realities of school desegregation.

One of my students once shared that they had no idea desegregation occurred in the North. That moment became the catalyst for launching this podcast. It continues to drive my passion for educating others and sharing the often untold stories behind the fight for educational equity.

We want to thank all of our special guests. Were grateful to the educators, activists, journalists, legal professionals, etc. who have joined us to share their experiences. Through their stories, weve been able to honor historical truths and explore the human side of this complex history.

Join us as we continue to explore the challenges, triumphs, and lasting impact of desegregation in the North versus the South. Remember to subscribe to The Silk Stocking Sisters podcast on the ALIVE Podcast Network app for more episodes!

As we continue our exploration of the northern experience of desegregation, this episode focuses on the racial history of Ohio. We are honored to welcome Laura Meckler, national education writer for The Washington Post and author of Dream Town: Shaker Heights and the Quest for Racial Equity. With her extensive coverage of news, politics, policies, and the people shaping Americas schools, Meckler offers thoughtful analysis and fresh perspective on the complexities of educational and racial equity. In this episode, we discuss why she wrote Dream Town, what the book reveals about Shaker Heights, and the process behind bringing these important stories to life. Meckler shares both personal and professional insights into the realities of desegregation and how Shaker Heights navigated integration.

Thank you for tuning in, we're grateful to speak with someone who not only understands these issues but also uses her platform to raise awareness. Be sure to subscribe to The Silk Stocking Sisters podcast on the ALIVE Podcast Network app for more episodes!