Reflections from EdLoC’s 2024 National Convening

Sharhonda Bossier, CEO, Education Leaders of Color

The EdLoC Network gathered in Baltimore last month for our National Convening to face head-on one of our most difficult challenges: How can we sustain multiracial coalitions amid, and in support of, our fragile democracy?

At a time when our work and our very right to exist have been called into question, we know the only way forward is to go together. We see the forces working so hard to divide us; we won’t do their work for them.

But joining together in coalition across racial identities is sometimes easier said than done. It is in these moments of greatest challenge that many of us wonder if those who do not share our experience will stay by our side. Throughout the Convening, we interrogated what it truly means to build and sustain multiracial coalitions and evaluated our own success. We came face-to-face with the challenges—as well as the rewards—and pushed ourselves to confront the sticking points and lean in.

Since EdLoC’s inception, we’ve been about bridging. Bridging the divide between educators and others who are working to improve the academic and life outcomes of our children and families. Bridging among our communities, across race, across gender and sexual identity, across different perspectives on how to provide our young people the quality education they deserve.

As hard as that work can be, I walked away from the Convening clearer than ever that this bridging is the most important work that our Network can do together.

From building political power, to defending inclusive civics education, to creating authentic community spaces, to forging multiracial solidarity, the National Convening was a place to co-create and catalyze, multiply and magnify. In the halls and around tables, I know that folks were asking each other hard questions, providing wisdom and encouragement, and forming deep connections.

Whether on stage or among the audience, we heard from multiple perspectives. We did not all agree with everything shared or considered. In some moments, we found ourselves grappling with uncomfortable truths that challenged our assumptions; in others, we were nodding vigorously along. That is part of what I love about the Convening—and this Network: the opportunities we have to challenge and be challenged in service of our shared vision. To get better and smarter, together.

I want to end my reflections on the same note as we ended the Convening. In Baltimore, we concluded with a live recording of Say More with Tulaine Montgomery, the podcast known as “the home for you if you are pursuing liberation.” I truly believe that the only path forward to true liberation starts and ends with multiracial solidarity.

Within our Network, we know in our core that our fights for liberation are linked and that we need each other to get to freedom. We know that EdLoC is our home and source of strength as we continue our collective fight for a future where our young people and communities are thriving.

Whether you joined us in Baltimore or not, it’s time to identify your allies and find your co-conspirators. To renew our commitment to lifting each other up. And to prove the power and potential of this Network.