FOR RELEASE
Worcester – Ron Walker, Founder and Executive Director of the Coalition of Schools Educating Boys of Color, delivered thought-provoking and–according to one participant–“soul-nourishing” remarks as part of his keynote address at Worcester Education Collaborative (WEC)’s 13th Annual Meeting Wednesday evening, where he was awarded WEC’s Apple of a Different Color award.
Reflecting on his decades-long work in education, Walker shared a vision for what is possible in education. His remarks highlighted critical tenants that bring equity to the forefront while providing excellence for all students, such as setting high expectations, forming meaningful relationships, creating affirming and supportive environments for learning, and welcoming and including parents and families as a critical part of the education of children and youth.
“Ron Walker captivated the audience,” remarked Worcester Public School Committee Member Sue Mailman. “His work with boys of color is inspired by love and recognition of individual value. As a school committee member, his words will stay with me.”
Worcester State University President Barry Maloney also found Mr. Walker’s presentation compelling. “As an educator, I regularly look to create sustainable pathways for improved outcomes, especially for underserved students. Ron Walker’s presentation reminded me of the powerful impact on a young person’s outlook that a sense of belonging can have, helping them achieve their goals.”
In recognition of his outstanding contributions in the field of education, and his steadfast commitment to equity and excellence in the education of boys of color in particular, Walker was awarded WEC’s Apple of a Different Color award. The Apple of a Different Color award is presented periodically by WEC to visionary leaders in K-12 education. Past recipients of this honor are John Bassett, former president of Clark University and Heritage University and founder of the organization and John B. King, Jr., former Secretary of Education under President Obama and currently President of the Education Trust.
“Educational opportunity gaps for boys of color are significant. They lead to achievement and discipline disparities across their lifespan. Thank you for your leadership, Ron Walker. Equity in education is social justice,” shared Debbie Hall, Executive Director of Worcester’s YWCA.
Walker’s remarks were particularly timely and well-received by audience members, as Worcester is in the midst of an inspiring and critical inflection point with respect to education. This moment is the result of a confluence of several factors and events, including: a new and visionary Superintendent of Schools, new governance made possible as a result of statutory changes in the composition of the school committee, a new and progressive orientation of the committee, and an unprecedented influx of funds as a result of the Student Opportunity Act and federal recovery dollars.
“The work that we do, our choices, and the principles that guide those choices will affect the opportunities that our children have and the quality of life in our city for a generation,” remarked WEC Executive Director Jennifer Davis Carey.
With new funding and the ongoing work of its Education Equity Roundtable, WEC is poised to lead a community-wide effort to develop policies and practices that promote equity and excellence in all learning spaces across Worcester’s vibrant education ecosystem, encompassing both in- and out-of-school learning. Charged with this big vision for what is possible for education in Worcester, WEC’s Board of Director’s is thrilled to be joined by a slate of new members to support this work:
Alex Richardson, Director of Baseball and Gameday Operations, Worcester Red Sox
Elizabeth Wambui, Director of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, Fontaine Brothers
John Esler, CEO, Esler Companies, and Co-Founder, Esler Family Foundation
Jeanne Esler, President and Co-Founder of the Esler Family Foundation
Karen Pelletier, Executive Vice President, Worcester Regional Chamber of Commerce
Lynn Hernandez, Ph.D., Assistant Vice Chancellor for Diversity and Inclusion, UMass Chan Medical School
Maria Juncos-Gautier, Ph.D., Executive Director, Latino Education Institute
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The mission of the Worcester Education Collaborative is to advance excellence and equity in education for all Worcester Public School students.
