October 19, 2023

In Schools, an Ongoing Fight for Racial Justice

University’s Critical Urban Education Speaker Series brings renowned scholar, author Bettina L. Love to campus

Bettina L. Love smiles as she speaks at a podium. — Bettina L. Love shared insights on her latest book, Punished for Dreaming: How School Reform Harms Black Children and How We Heal.

Montclair State University’s Critical Urban Education (CUE) Speaker Series recently welcomed the renowned author and scholar Bettina L. Love to campus to share her groundbreaking work on the fight for racial justice in schools.

The Critical Urban Education Speaker Series, a series that brings leading national scholars to Montclair, is a highlight of Montclair’s Transformative Education Network – known by its acronym TEN – that prepares anti-racist teacher-activists in Newark and Orange public schools.

On October 12, Love shared her insights from her latest book, Punished for Dreaming: How School Reform Harms Black Children and How We Heal, in which she serves up a blistering account of four decades of educational reform through the lens of the people who lived it and delivers a compelling account that lays bare the devastating impact of these policies on Black lives and communities.

Audience members listen to a speaker. — The audience listens to Bettina Love at the CUE Speakers Series, which brings leading national scholars to Montclair.

Bree Picower and Tanya Maloney at the podium — Teaching and Learning professors and TEN co-directors Bree Picower and Tanya Maloney welcome guests.

Three women dance with colorful scarves while students dance behind them. — Opening Performances included students from the Orange High School Elite Dance Troupe joined by Choreographer Susan Pope; Faith Alcantara, executive director, Office of Innovation, Community Engagement, Titles/Grants & Special Projects at Orange Public Schools; and other community members.

Nelly Bess and SNC on stage with arms raised. — TEN alumna and event emcee Nelly Bess (right), and poet, SNC, perform a piece based on Bettina Love’s book.

The event was co-sponsored by the Dean’s Office of the College for Education and Engaged Learning, Department of Teaching and Learning; Center of Pedagogy; Montclair State University Network for Educational Renewal; and ADP Center.

The next CUE event on March 21, 2024, features author and educator Deonna Smith. Register for this virtual event.

Photos by University Photographer Mike Peters.