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, available at blake.mn/elproposal.
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.
Fall 2022 Equity Lab Experiences
Monday, Dec. 5, 7pm
Moon Palace Books, Minneapolis
A Reading of ‘The Marvellers’ by Dhonielle Clayton
Join this book reading tailored to ages 8-12 but all are welcome; face painting at 6pm. Author Dhonielle Clayton is the New York Times bestselling author of “The Marvellers” series, “The Belles” series, “Shattered Midnight” and others. She is a former elementary and middle school librarian.
Wednesday, Dec. 7, 5pm
Representation Matters: ‘Black Panther: Wakanda Forever’ Movie and Discussion
Pre-movie presentation in the Bovey, Middle School, Hopkins campus and then 7pm movie at a local movie theater. Parents, guardians, faculty and students are invited to discuss the importance of representation in literature and media. Highcroft campus teacher librarian Ariana Hussain will begin the evening with a presentation. Blake will then provide participant transportation to a local movie theater and cover the cost of student tickets. The movie is rated PG-13; guardian participation and attendance is mandatory for movie attendance for students 13 and under.
Friday, Dec. 9 at noon
Wednesday, Jan. 11 at 7pm., Zoom
Book Readings/Discussions on Race and Racism
Inspired by the Equity Lab’s “Talking to Children about Race and Racism” series, Blake parent Tasha Walvig offers an opportunity to continue the conversations started in the spring of 2021. The first book reading/discussion will be “My Grandmother’s Hands” by Resmaa Menakem. Part one will take place in person on Friday, Dec. 9 at noon in the Middle School on the Hopkins campus (room M203); part 2 will be via Zoom on Wednesday, Jan. 11 at 7pm. Participants are welcome to attend one or both readings/discussions. RSVP
Spring 2021 Equity Lab Experiences
Wednesday, Jan. 12
7pm
Zoom
Tyneeta Canonge presents “The Person You Mean To Be: How Good People Fight Bias” book talk
Free copies of the book are available at campus security desks upon request and while supplies last.
Many people philosophically believe that racism, sexism, ageism, ableism, classism and other forms of oppression exist but don't always recognize what to do about it. In 2020, individuals and organizations galvanized to find concrete ways to dismantle biased systems and build the just world we imagine for ourselves. We may be at different points along our intercultural competency journeys, but there is always room to grow our capacity to work against these systems. In her book, “The Person You Mean To Be,” Dolly Chugh attempts to help readers move from believers to builders and offers the research-based brain science behind strategies to reduce bias. Join us and contribute to the conversation as we explore the highlights of the book and examine how our desire to be good people may be in the way of us being the people we mean to be.
Open to Alumni, Parents, Students, Faculty/Staff
Zoom registration link: Person you mean to be
Tuesday, March 1
7pm CT
Zoom
Dr. Dziwe Ntaba presents The Benefits of Equity Centered Healthcare
The COVID-19 pandemic placed a spotlight on health disparities in disadvantaged communities. As we continue to make sense of its impact and the impact of other international health crises, we'll hear from global healthcare provider, Blake class of 1990 alum and 2021 Bush Foundation Fellow Dr. Dziwe Ntaba. Learn how Dr. Ntaba's equity-focused, patient-centered practice produces high-quality outcomes for individuals and health systems at large.
Open to Alumni, Parents, Students, Faculty/Staff
Zoom registration link Ntaba
Thursday, Mar 10
6-7pm CT (RSVP required)
Zoom
Diversity at Blake: Past, Present and Where We are Headed
Tyneeta Canonge, director of Blake’s Office of Equity and Community Engagement, and current students will share with Alumni how Blake has changed over the years regarding equity and inclusion. Canonge will talk about the school’s efforts to create a more equitable community and how programs like the Equity Lab assists with this priority. Students will share how these efforts impact their experiences.
For Alumni but open to Parents, Students, and Faculty/Staff
Wednesday, April 13
7pm CT
Blake Dining Commons
Blake learning specialists present What is it like to have dyslexia?
This simulation walks participants through what it is like for those with dyslexia to learn in school. By experiencing the ways dyslexia is processed, we hope to build understanding and empathy for those who experience this difference daily.
Open to Alumni, Parents, Students, Faculty/Staff