The Equity Lab
Where we expand our ability to make sense of cultural differences and commonalities.
Intercultural competency is a driving force in bridging cultural differences and fostering an environment where everyone can belong, contribute and thrive.
The Equity Lab is a hub for equity-focused learning opportunities and one of the many ways Blake carries out its mission, core values and commitment to pluralism.
The lab is run by the Office of Equity and Community Engagement (OECE) whose vision is to lead, facilitate and support individual and school-wide efforts that foster a more equitable, inclusive and engaged community.
The Equity Lab makes sharing topics related to equity and inclusion accessible to everyone by offering and supporting lunch-and-learn sessions, after-school workshops, one-on-one discussions, critical friend groups, professional collaborations, webinars, community partnerships and more.
Call for Equity Lab Proposals
Alumni, parents, students, faculty and staff are invited to create a session for Blake's Equity Lab by completing a proposal form.
Successful session proposals will facilitate conversations that reflect Blake's commitment to pluralism and the OECE vision "to foster a more equitable, inclusive and engaged community."
Content should be based in research, model evidence-based practices, draw on personal mastery or reflective practice. Sessions should encourage attendees to continue exploring the subject area and inspire action.
2023-24 Equity Lab Experiences
October 26, 2023 6pm
Table Talk: Practicing Courageous Conversations
How skilled are you at discussing matters of race, gender, sexuality, religion, and other identities? Many of us could use more practice. Just like some families discuss the events of the day around the dinner table, Equity Lab attendees will have an opportunity to practice respectful dialogue about matters of identity. Tyneeta Canonge, Director of the Office of Equity and Community Engagement will be facilitating the casual “dinner table,” style conversation with clear communication norms. All Blake community members are welcome.
November 7, 2023 7pm
Gender Inclusivity at Blake
Join us on Zoom to gain a greater understanding of how Blake curriculum and programs support family structure, gender and sexuality, health and wellness. In addition to hearing how teachers approach their content, parents who are engaged in Blake Family Pride meetings will share how important this work has been to their students.
January 9, 2023 6pm
“Stories I Didn’t Know”
Join us in the MS Dining Commons for a special screening of the award-winning documentary, “Stories I Didn’t Know,” which follows the story of St. Paul resident Rita Davern as she uncovers uneasy truths of her Irish ancestors and their ownership of Pike Island, sacred land to the Dakota people. There will be a subsequent community conversation and panel discussion.
May 4, 2024 10am - 1pm
Park and Meet at ELC
Blake Takes on Public Transit - Transportation Scavenger Hunt through the Twin Cities
What’s it like when you rely solely on public transit for transportation in the Twin Cities? What equity issues arise? How do people with disabilities experience city buses? If these are questions you never think about, or if you would really like to know the answers, join us for this “Amazing Race” style experience through town. You and your team will embark upon a half-day experience to complete several tasks as you travel the city using public transportation. Race around the city and win by being the first team to cross the finish line. Join us for a great adventure.