Spirits in the Dark is a digital space dedicated to the light bearers of the Black community - those who have committed their lives to providing true education to the generations behind them.

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Sydoni Ellwood

Spirit in the Darkness: How the Community Bears Light Curator

Born in Brooklyn, cultivated by Jamaica, WI, I am a 90s baby who appreciates great books, stellar Nike retros, ardently follows the WNBA, and regularly quotes scripture and rap lyrics with the same fervency.  In the last decade, I worked as a Higher Ed adjunct, creating learning material for reading and writing workshops. During that time, I observed the many ways some of our "tried and true" educational practices alienate Black students in the classroom as well as their families and community at large and wondered what could be done to change that.

After studying political science and Africana Studies in undergrad at Brooklyn College, I applied to the Liberal Studies Master's program at the Graduate Center, concentrating on Urban Education.

The program has enabled me to dig deeper into my research interests: community-controlled education, grassroots organizing as a method of education intervention, hip-hop as a teaching tool/knowledge production, and Black liberation theology.

The biggest question I seek to answer is: How can the community empower educators in their goals to authentically connect and engage with Black students? 

Ultimately, I desire to follow in the steps of Ella Baker and Bettina Love. . . advocating for and establishing safe and culturally relevant learning spaces for Black children and youth. 

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