Black vs The Board of Education Podcast

The conversation didn’t end last week—because the harm didn’t end last week. In Part 2 of Black v. Board of Education (BVBOE), we’re continuing our deep dive with Sacramento Area Youth Speaks (SAYS) as we unpack what happens after DEI programs get cut: ➡️ the erasure of Black student needs, ➡️ the widening of opportunity gaps, ➡️ the silence from decision-makers who claim “equity” until it’s time...

This week on Black v. Board of Education (BVBOE) , we’re joined by Sacramento Area Youth Speaks (SAYS) —the unapologetic poets, organizers, and truth-tellers using their voices to challenge power and reclaim space. We’re digging into the local DEI cuts happening right here in Sacramento County and their impact on Black students , even after the county’s own study highlighted the disparities and sy...

This week on Black v. Board of Education , we sit down with Mrs. Karen Dugas — educator, entrepreneur, and founder of Above the Limit, LLC and the Beyond the Bus Foundation . With over 20 years in education, Mrs. Dugas has helped students turn their academic potential into scholarship dollars, making college more affordable — and often, debt-free. We talk about the power of financial literacy, wha...

From the classroom to educational leadership, Nichelle Henderson joins BVBOE to unpack the promise and the challenges of public education in California. In this deep discussion, she tackles issues like teacher burnout, equity, dual enrollment, and the role of leadership in crafting schools where all children can thrive.

In this episode We’re honored to host Carylee Carrington — a fierce voice in children’s literature, diversity advocacy, and storytelling. Through personal anecdotes, behind-the-scenes insights, and reflections on representation, Carylee invites us to read with intention, reflect on what stories we tell, and rise to create more inclusive narratives for young readers.

In this special Battle of the Sexes edition of Black v. The Board of Education, we’re asking the hard question — are we toxic, or just traumatized? 💭 Domestic Violence Awareness Month is the perfect time to unpack the blurred lines between pain and pattern, love and control, healing and harm. Too often, we label behavior without understanding the wounds underneath. In this episode, men and women...

Join us as we sit down with Stephen Walker & guest to explore his powerful new play, “A.” This thought-provoking production dives deep into the struggles of addiction and mental health challenges, shedding light on the experiences many face but few discuss. Stephen shares the inspiration behind the play, the creative process, and the important conversations it sparks about resilience, healing,...

Join us for In Conversation with Area 4 School Board Member Delia Baldwin live on BVBOE

We’re back and better than ever!  In our exciting new season, Harold D. Baldwin takes us on an inspiring journey “Up From Jackman,” sharing stories of resilience, leadership, and lived experience.  Each episode dives into lessons learned, challenges overcome, and wisdom gained, giving listeners a front-row seat to conversations that uplift, empower, and spark meaningful change. Don’t mis...

(PART 2) Dating violence is a quiet crisis impacting Black youth and families—one that’s often hidden behind stigma, mistrust, and a desire to “keep business in the house.” In this episode, the BVBOE cast engages in a raw and culturally grounded conversation about dating violence, how it shows up in our lives, the real stories that haunt us, and what healing could look like when we start telling t...

Dating violence is a quiet crisis impacting Black youth and families—one that’s often hidden behind stigma, mistrust, and a desire to “keep business in the house.” In this episode, the BVBOE cast engages in a raw and culturally grounded conversation about dating violence, how it shows up in our lives, the real stories that haunt us, and what healing could look like when we start telling the truth....

In this episode we are engaging with an Oakland-based artist, Milton Bowens, who shares Black history through the lens of his artwork. Why is it important and beneficial to teach Black history through art?

Grounded in over a decade of archival research, personal reflection, and sharp sociological analysis, this book chronicles a century of segregated schooling—revealing how early efforts to control Black minds through education laid the groundwork for the enduring systemic inequities we face today. With Special Guest: Karida L. Brown

In this episode, we take a look at the realities many Black students face within their high schools and even college Black Student Unions. What happens when the spaces meant to affirm and uplift Black identity are ignored or undermined—sometimes even by Black administrators? We explore personal stories, systemic failures, and recent news of BSUs being defunded, sidelined, or silenced. Join us as w...

recapping complaints and stories from around the educational landscape

In this episode, we delve into the heartbreaking incident in Texas where a student lost their life due to bullying. We explore the lasting impact of bullying on individuals, schools, and communities, discussing the warning signs, the role of bystanders, and the importance of intervention. Join us as we reflect on how we can create safer environments for students and break the cycle of violence and...

In Part 1, we discussed the disturbing “N****r Bucks” incident and its impact on Black students. Now, in Part 2, we’re following up on the school’s response—was real accountability taken, or just empty gestures? But that wasn’t the only issue. A Living History Day lesson aimed at teaching about the pioneer era failed to consider the harm it could cause—sending students home with cloth dolls and ro...

The need for Black educators has never been greater, yet too few Black students are pursuing careers in teaching. Why is that? In this episode of Black v. Board of Education , we sit down with Dr. Karina Figueroa Ramirez , former teacher and now Educational Equity Program Coordinator/Advisor for Sac State’s College of Education . We’ll discuss the programs and opportunities available for future ed...

Guest: Dr. Ijeoma Ononuju In this special episode of Black v. Board of Education , we sit down with Dr. O to discuss his contributions to the powerful new book, Faith Made Flesh . Together, we explore the intersection of faith, education, and advocacy for Black children—unpacking the systemic barriers they face and the opportunities they need to thrive. Our kids don’t need stumbling blocks; they n...

Black students deserve educators who see them, hear them, and respect their lived experiences— not teachers who reduce Black history to offensive, misguided lessons that do more harm than good. After yet another classroom debacle involving a Black History Month assignment centered on the N-bucks, it’s clear that some educators still don’t know how to effectively engage with Black students. In this...

A middle school teacher handed out “N****r Bucks” in class—was this an attempt at a thought-provoking lesson on racism, or a blatant display of it? In this episode, we unpack the incident, its impact on Black students and families, and the broader implications for our education system. Is there ever a justifiable way to address racial issues in the classroom like this, or did this teacher go too f...

Oakland Unified School District Director Mike Hutchinson joins us to break down the high-stakes battle over OUSD’s $95M budget adjustments. Frustrated with canceled meetings and a lack of transparency, he’s calling out the leadership that has locked the board into a predetermined plan without discussion. With a crucial vote on staffing cuts looming, the district faces a make-or-break moment—either...

According to parents, Director Christina Gold at ABC Keith Haring School initially told parents that their 2-year-old son had a tantrum and fell on furniture. But just moments later, she sent a follow-up message changing the story—saying he didn’t have a tantrum, he tripped. So, which is it? Was this a simple mistake, pure negligence, or an outright cover-up? Join us as we break down the inconsist...

Black History Month may be a designated time for reflection, but we boldly declare that our history, our excellence, and our impact cannot be confined to 28 days—we are Black 365. This episode is a defiant reminder that our stories, our struggles, and our victories are ever-present, shaping the world in real time.

BVBOE responds to updates regarding the recent statement released from Sac City Unified about previous guest Dr. Vesher, with special guest: Attorney Mark T. Harris & Berry Accius