The B.R.A.V.E. Beginning
On my son’s first day at his new school, a white child punched him and called him the N-word.
I had thought that in a school with a large Black student population, he would feel safe. In 2023, I didn’t think incidents like this still happened. At first, I gave him the advice my parents gave me: "Work hard, and if you’re the best, it won’t matter." But as the months went on, he and other Black students faced repeated racist incidents. I joined the parent council, but quickly realized my advice wasn’t enough.
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Neither I, my son, nor the school were prepared to address the racism Black students were experiencing.
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Research shows Black students face systemic barriers, and anti-Black racism in schools is a growing crisis. Schools need more Black educators and role models, but until I got involved, I didn’t realize the full impact of this crisis on our kids.
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How can Black children feel they belong in schools where no adult shares their identity? How can they learn to lead when they have no role models? When racism occurs, how can an all-white staff provide the support that’s needed? I knew our children deserved better.
With support from school administrators, the few Black educational assistants, and parent volunteers, we launched B.R.A.V.E.
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We started lunch-hour meetings with Black and allied girls in grades 6-8. What started with 25 students grew to over 70. Each week, we created a space for students to embrace their identities and grow as leaders. For allies, it became a place of learning and support.
What began as a response to my son’s experience grew into something bigger. Students who once felt invisible found confidence and connection. They learned to be B.R.A.V.E. in a world that often tells them not to be. By the end of the 8-week pilot, the principal saw stronger student relationships, a deeper sense of community, and newfound confidence. Even the boys began asking, "What about us?"
My son taught me why it’s so important to teach our kids to be B.R.A.V.E. It takes courage and commitment to make schools safer for all children. My hope is that every school that hosts B.R.A.V.E. becomes part of that change.
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With warmth and determination,
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Lateasha
Founder, B.R.A.V.E.
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Our Founders.
The founders of B.R.A.V.E. are deeply committed to dismantling anti-Black racism in schools and empowering students to embrace their identities and lead with confidence. B.R.A.V.E. was born out of its founder's desire to respond to racial incidents involving her son. Fueled by a desire to create a space where Black youth could feel seen, supported, and safe she brought together an exceptional team. Each of B.R.A.V.E.'s founding "Aunties" brings unique strengths to the program—ranging from lived experience and anti-racism expertise to corporate leadership and social work training—all of which come to life in classrooms. Proud to be known as B.R.A.V.E. Aunties, they create a supportive environment where students from diverse backgrounds can explore their identities, share experiences, and uplift one another. The founders' ultimate dream is for every student to leave B.R.A.V.E. knowing they matter, equipped with the tools to inspire change and lead their communities forward.
