Flocabulary
“Let’s Teach About Race” panel at SXSW
Creating space for important, honest conversations across education levels
Challenge
We wanted to show up at SXSWedu in a way that centered our brand value and mission of helping teachers and students understand complex topics. Conversations about race in education often happen too late and too cautiously. We wanted to model what thoughtful, developmentally appropriate dialogue could look like across age groups.
Solution
I created and curated a SXSW panel bringing together voices from early childhood, K-12, and higher education. The panel was made up of leaders from Equitable Schools, HipHopEd, and Friendship Public Charter Schools. The conversation explored how race impacts young people and how educators can begin these conversations in age-appropriate, constructive ways. The discussion blended research, lived experience, and practical strategies for educators navigating race and identity in the classroom.
Results
The panel became one of the most popular sessions on the program that year — so popular, in fact, that organizers added an encore after the room reached capacity the first time. Beyond the turnout, the conversation delivered concrete takeaways for educators at every level and helped position the participating organizations as leaders in equity-centered education, not just in theory but in practice. The session reframed race education as a developmental responsibility, giving educators language, confidence, and practical tools to engage students earlier and more thoughtfully.
