Congratulations to the 11 educators selected for the Julia Britton Hooks Fellowship!
This year’s cohort represent schools and districts from across the Commonwealth, bringing with them a wide range of experiences and expertise. Over the course of the fellowship, they will collaborate to develop inquiry-based lessons that elevate the often-overlooked voices and contributions of Black Kentuckians, enriching how Kentucky’s full history is taught in classrooms statewide. Fellows will also engage in ongoing professional development sessions designed to deepen their instructional practice and historical knowledge. In addition, they will have opportunities to network and build lasting connections with educators and community leaders who share a commitment to more inclusive and representative teaching.
Tour of Black Berea Led by Sharyn Mitchell and Dr. Jackie Burnside
This summer, ATBHK Executive Director Shaniqua Robinson and advisory committee member Elise Carter had the honor of presenting at the TOLI Envisioning a Collaborative Future Seminar, hosted at Berea College. The seminar brought together educators from across the United States to explore the shared challenges and opportunities in teaching both Holocaust history and the history of Black Kentuckians in K–12 classrooms.
Throughout the week, participants engaged in meaningful dialogue, reflecting on best practices for fostering empathy, critical thinking, and inclusive historical narratives in their teaching. The experience culminated in a guided bus tour through Berea, Kentucky, where educators explored the town’s unique interracial history. Leading the tour were Dr. Jackie Burnside and Sharyn Mitchell, who brought Berea’s stories to life through powerful storytelling and deep historical insight.
This collaboration highlights the importance of connecting diverse histories to better understand injustice, resilience, and the ongoing work of building equitable communities today.
Professional Reading
Becoming a Village
Becoming a Village, written by Joy Masha for Learning for Justice, explores how meaningful partnerships between families, schools, and communities can create nurturing environments where all children thrive. Grounded in a whole-child, liberatory approach, the article reminds us that raising and educating children is a shared responsibility—one that grows stronger when caregivers, educators, and community members work together as co educators and advocates. Highlighting programs like CDF Freedom Schools, Masha shows how shared rituals and trust-building practices foster connection, belonging, and collective care. It’s a call to reimagine our support systems so every child feels seen, valued, and uplifted by their village.
ATBHK Wants to Visit Your School!
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Contact Information
Email: info@atbhk.org.
phone: 859-985-3942
Website: www.atbhk.org
