Terror is defined by a state of intense fear; violent or destructive acts committed by groups to intimate others. This lecture will explore the terror that African American students and their families have confronted in their homes, schools, and communities. First, this lecture will provide a brief historical analysis of the terror that has produced patterns of unequal schools and disinvested communities for African Americans, particularly in Baltimore City. Second, this lecture will illuminate the voices and experiences of 50 African American Baltimorean youth who underscore the terror they experienced while growing up in these communities and attending schools in this city. Finally, this lecture will explore how practitioners can produce nurturing environments for all Baltimorean students and their parents.
Education Building, Great Hall 2800 N Charles St Baltimore MD 21218 Thursday, February 20 6:00 PM - 7:30 PM A reception will follow. Richard Lofton, Jr., an assistant professor of education at the Center for Social Organization of Schools and Johns Hopkins School of Education, is co-principal investigator for the national evaluation of the Student Success Mentor Initiative, which is funded by the Arnold Foundation. The initiative aims to reduce chronic absenteeism, develop caring relationships within schools and increase successful outcomes for students. Also, his research explores the Black habitus of African American students and parents and the impact of concentrated poverty on homes, schools and communities. His research examines the importance of uncovering systemic inequalities, illuminating agency and developing meaningful relationships with students and their parents for academic success. He is a graduate of Teachers College, Columbia University, and recently completed a two-year postdoctoral fellow at the Center for Social Organization of Schools.