In this episode of The Silk Stocking Sisters Podcast, we are honored to welcome special guest Dr. Deidre B. Flowers, an education historian whose work centers on Black womens education activism and their impact on American schooling. Dr. Flowers brings both research-based insight and personal experience to the conversation as we explore one of her publications, The School for Modern Times: Mildred Louise Johnson and the Founding of the Modern School of Harlem. Together, we uncover the story behind the Modern School of Harlem and the visionary leadership of Mildred Louise Johnson, whose commitment to academic excellence, Black identity, and community empowerment shaped generations of students.

Dr. Flowers reflects on her own journey, growing up as a student at the Modern School of Harlem and continuing her education at historically Black institutions. She shares the story of her mothers migration from the South in search of greater opportunity and her intentional decision to provide her daughter with access to an education that could offer the opportunities she herself was denied. Throughout this episode, she highlights the vital role of family support in shaping educational success.

We discuss the historical significance and systemic barriers Black educators faced in the 20th century that led to the founding of independent institutions like the Modern School of Harlem in 1934. Dr. Flowers offers perspective on public versus private education, emphasizing how smaller class sizes and individualized attention can better support student growth.

Thank you for joining us for another episode of The Silk Stocking Sisters Podcast. In this insightful episode, were joined by Dr. Diana Naddeo, an assistant professor at Western Connecticut State University and licensed clinical psychologist specializing in child, adolescent, and young adult mental health. She now leads a private group practice in Newtown, Connecticut, specializing in comprehensive assessment and mental health care for young people.

We explore the complex and often misunderstood impact of trauma on children and adolescents, while highlighting the importance of trauma-informed education. Dr. Naddeo shares her clinical insights on why careful, individualized assessment is essential, and how trauma-related behaviors are frequently misdiagnosed as ADHD or anxiety when the root cause goes unrecognized. This episode dives into effective therapeutic approaches for children who have experienced trauma and addresses why integrating trauma-informed practices into schools, especially within special education, is essential in supporting student success.

We reflect on the historical significance of the Clark doll experiments conducted by Drs. Kenneth and Mamie Clark, highlighting the lasting psychological effects of desegregation on childrens identity and self-image and connecting these insights to present-day educational and mental health practices.

Welcome to a new season of The Silk Stocking Sisters Podcast. In this episode, we provide an update on the podcasts continued vision and explore how historical patterns of integration across the North, South, and Midwest continue to impact educational equity today.

Join us as we reflect on past and current topics spanning psychology, education, sports, politics, law, economics, and social issues, while welcoming more amazing guests who share personal stories, firsthand perspectives, and expert insights. Future episodes will dive into important discussions on trauma-informed education, leadership in Harlem private schools, the effects of food addiction on student performance, the role of sports in academic achievement and student development, policy reforms shaping opportunities for diverse communities across America, and so much more.

Tune in for an overview of whats ahead and how The Silk Stocking Sisters Podcast continues to explore the issues that matter most. Thank you for continuing to support the podcast. Remember to subscribe to The Silk Stocking Sisters Podcast on the ALIVE Podcast Network app for more episodes!

Thank you for joining us for another episode of The Silk Stocking Sisters Podcast. In this episode, Dr. Canada reflects on her experience attending P.S. 6, a predominantly white school on Manhattans Upper East Side, during the era of school desegregation. She walks the streets of New York City and revisits her former elementary school, where she attended 4th through 6th grade, sharing memories from her daily routine, including her walk from the bus stop and visits to a local store across the street.

Best experienced when paired with the full video on The Silk Stocking Sisters Podcast YouTube channel, this episode offers a first-hand perspective on Dr. Canadas childhood school experience in the 1960s. She also reflects on how the neighborhood and school have remained well preserved over the years and highlights P.S. 6s continued commitment to providing strong educational experiences.

Be sure to watch this episode on our YouTube channel, where Dr. Canada brings the story of P.S. 6 to life through a virtual tour. As always, 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 take a moment to provide an update and share whats ahead. Many of our conversations have been inspired by the stories and research in Dr. Canadas book, Desegregation of the New York City Schools: A Story of the Silk Stocking Sisters. As we close out the season, the final episodes will focus on the history of Dr. Canadas elementary school experience during the desegregation experiment of the 1960s, highlighting both the school she left and the one she attended.

We will explore the importance of friendship as a key support system for children navigating school and change. Moving forward, the podcast will continue to center equity by highlighting the importance of support, representation, access, and resources in education and beyond.

Thank you for joining us for another episode of The Silk Stocking Sisters Podcast. In this episode, we explore what educational excellence truly means and who is afforded the opportunities and support necessary to achieve it. We reflect on recent conversations that discussed a range of topics, including the need for Black educators, the impact of classism on educational achievement, the systemic barriers Puerto Rican students have faced, etc. The topics covered on this podcast reveal persistent inequities in who receives high-quality instruction, access to advanced opportunities, and the tools necessary for success.

According to the definition provided by Law Insider, educational excellence refers to programs, practices, learning materials, and equipment that directly impact student instruction, resulting in increased performance within the required state curriculum. But as Dr. Canada asks: Is educational excellence truly for all, or only for some? She emphasizes that we have a responsibility to teach all students, to expect excellence from all students, and to create environments where all students are given the opportunity, support, and resources needed to thrive.

Welcome to another episode of The Silk Stocking Sisters Podcast. As we close out February, we take a moment to honor and reflect on the legacy of Black History Month. In 1915, Dr. Carter G. Woodson, the Father of Black History, co-founded the Association of Negro Life and History, now known as the Association for the Study of African American Life and History. In 1926, he started Negro History Week, which was the precursor to Black History Month.

This episode explores the origins of Black History Month, why it is celebrated in the month of February, and its impact over the past 50 years. Dr. Canada challenges us with a thought-provoking question: While we recognize February as Black History Month, are we truly recognizing and celebrating Black people?

As we reflect on the importance and impact of this month, Dr. Canada highlights the purpose of this podcast, stating, This podcast is about acknowledging historical aspects, achievements, and legacy related to all people, and for this month especially for Black people. Join us as we honor historical achievements, acknowledge impactful legacies, and explore how understanding our past shapes the world we live in today.