October 2023 Newsletter
Visit the Cultural Celebration Page for upcoming events, professional development panels, academic resources, and more!
October Events & Happenings
October is Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) History Month
October is Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) History Month in the United States.In 1994, Rodney Wilson, a Missouri high school teacher, believed a month should be dedicated to the celebration and teaching of gay and lesbian history, and gathered other teachers and community leaders. They selected October because public schools are in session and existing traditions, such as Coming Out Day (October 11), occur that month, and because it is the month of the first March on Washington for Lesbian and Gay Rights in 1979.
“LGBT History Month sends an important message to our nation’s teachers, school boards, community leaders, and youth about the vital importance of recognizing and exploring the role of gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender people in American history.”
George Chauncey
Samuel Knight Professor of American History and Chair of the History Department, Yale University
The Office of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion is pleased to host the following learning opportunities to support your development and promote efficacy in serving our minoritized populations:
- Tune Up Tuesday (October 3rd and 17th) – 4:30pm – 6:00pm – Dismantling Latin American Stereotypes and Biases (VIRTUAL)
- Friday, October 27th (VIRTUAL)
- Checking and Challenging Biases
- Inclusive Language Advances Equity
- Asset-Based Parent, Family, and Community Engagement
In addition to recognizing LGBTQ History, October also serves as Bullying Prevention Month and Islamic Heritage Month.
Other Recognitions in October: Indigenous Peoples’ Day 10/9, National Coming Out Day 10/11
Resources for the Month:
Events and Happenings this Month
Centering Black Childhoods: Engaging Voices and Collaborative Conversations
Wednesday, October 4th 4:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m. Rutgers–Camden Campus Center
On behalf of the Department of Childhood Studies at Rutgers University–Camden, we are delighted to extend an official invitation to our upcoming event, “Centering Black Childhoods: Engaging Voices and Collaborative Conversations”. This two-part event is organized by our department with support from the Mellon Foundation as part of a broader initiative that seeks to challenge the whiteness of childhood studies and provide institutional support for racial justice work in the field. In launching this initiative, we seek to foster connections among critically engaged scholars, practitioners, activists, and young people in the Camden and Philadelphia region who are centering Black childhoods in their work.
This event is free and open to the public. Please share widely!
Equity in Practice: Historical Society of Pennsylvania
Wednesday, October 18th 2023, from 12pm – 1pm
Join us for an inspiring look into the rich history of the LGBTQ with The Historical Society of Pennsylvania (HSP). In this session, HSP will highlight the LGBTQ movement here in Philadelphia and explore the untold stories and pivotal moments that have shaped the LGBTQ community throughout history..
The Historical Society of Pennsylvania, founded in 1824, is one of the nation’s largest archives of historical documents. Through educator workshops, research opportunities, public programs and lectures throughout the year, they strive to make history relevant and exhilarating to all.
Register to attend this virtual session.
Equity Coalition Policy Review Committee SY23-24
Kicking off October 2023!
As we welcome back our students for the 23-24 school year, we prepare to kick off another year of the Equity Coalition Policy Review Team. This team of individuals from across the District comes together to apply the Equity Lens to the review of all Board policies that are up for review.
If you would like to uplift the experiences of your students, families, and communities in the policy process, consider joining this team.
Save the Date
Friday, November 17 2023, from 4pm – 6pm
The School District of Philadelphia invites students, staff, and families to recognize the close of Transgender Awareness Week at our 3rd Transgender Remembrance Coffee House on Friday, November 17th from 4-6pm at School District Central Offices Atrium (440 N. Broad St.). The Coffee House is a reflective space to acknowledge and honor the transgender individuals who have lost their lives to violence as well as celebrate the joy of the transgender experience.
The event will include a vigil for transgender folx we have lost in 2023, as well as an open mic space with performances that affirm and acknowledge the transgender experience. Join us for an evening dedicated to transgender visibility and express our care and concern for the transgender community. Any person who brings a new full or travel size Health and Beauty product to the Coffee House will receive an event t-shirt! A list of items can be found below*. All donations will be delivered to the Attic Youth Center to support trans youth in Philadelphia!
October Spotlights
DEI Office Spotlight: Relationships First
“I am thrilled to nominate Relationships First for their outstanding work during Latiné History Month, particularly for their remarkable efforts at South Philadelphia High School and other schools across the district. Relationships First has been instrumental in uplifting and centering the experiences of our Latiné youth by establishing safe and welcoming community building circles in collaboration with school staff.
In South Philadelphia High School, the proactive work of the Relationships First team has made a transformative impact. RF coaches Ramon Castro and Luis Rosario, alongside BCA Christina Galicia and several wonderful staff, have demonstrated unwavering consistency and an unyielding dedication to equity and opportunity for our Latiné students. Their commitment to fostering an inclusive environment has created a platform for students to voice their experiences.
Through months of relationship building, students hailing from diverse backgrounds including Honduras, Mexico, the Dominican Republic, Honduras, Guatemala & El Salvador, and Nicaragua have had the opportunity to share their very raw experiences in joining the SPHS community. The safe space created by Relationships First has fomented trust building among students and staff, resulting in numerous instances of breaking bread, sharing truths, and fostering deeper connections.
In celebrating Latinx History Month, it is crucial to recognize teams like Relationships First that go above and beyond to make a tangible difference in the lives of Latiné youth. Their work embodies the spirit of this month by not only celebrating Latinx history but also actively shaping a more safe and welcoming school experience in partnership with Latiné students. Relationships First’s dedication to equity, inclusivity, and community-building exemplifies the values that define this month of celebration.
I wholeheartedly endorse Relationships First for their exceptional contributions and their unwavering commitment to creating a more inclusive and equitable educational environment for Latiné youth. They are truly deserving of recognition during Latiné History Month.”
SDP Employee Spotlights
Iliana Acevedo, Curriculum Specialist for Dual Language
I love everything about my culture! I’m so proud to be a Latina I love being Latina. I love our values, our food, the way we’re so in touch with others, how fun we are. I love how hard working, independent, and ambitious we are. I am also very proud to be Bilingual and Biliterate.
Tania Aponte, Tier 2 Positive Behavior Intervention and Supports (PBIS) Coach
My favorite thing about my culture is the history, the food, the music, and the traditions we have passed down from generations. Coming together and enjoying a meal whether formally during dinner or when my family gathers in my grandmothers kitchen.
Malvin Carrion, Health & PE Teacher/ Athletic Director, Samuel Fels High School
Being able to see myself in my students since I never really had a Latino teacher when I was a student. I take pride in my roots as a Latino and try to be a positive role model for our Latino students.
Joana Díaz, Technology Integration Specialist, Office of Education Technology
My favorite thing about being Puerto Rican is knowing that not only my DNA but my culture is the amalgamation of Indigenous, European, and African peoples. It is a reminder that in the shadow of aggression and struggle, beautiful things can emerge.
Madeline Jackmon, SBTL Spring Garden School
My favorite thing about being Puerto Rican is the vibrancy of my culture/heritage. My people are colorful, vibrant, loud, soft, spicy, sweet, and so much more.
Angelee Rivera, Bilingual Classroom Teacher, Farrell Elementary
My favorite part of being Puerto Rican, BORICUA is that I get to share all the amazing things of my culture with so many. We have the yummiest foods, the best music and we are such loving people!
Victoria Consuelo Trower, Customer Support Representative
I am glad to see Afro-Latinos standing up and being proud of their ancestry too! There is an awakening happening all over Latin America and recognition that we are all not triguena, mestiza, or blanconazo but we are just as Latino as anyone else!
DEI Office Updates
The Equity Teams Guidebook
The School District of Philadelphia (SDP) is committed to delivering upon the civil right of every child to a quality public education at a great school close to where they live. SDP’s vision is to prepare students to imagine and realize any future they desire. SDP’s mission is that all sectors of public education in Philadelphia will work with urgency to provide every student with the opportunity to achieve positive life outcomes in partnership with diverse families, educators, and community members who are valued and respected. Central to this mission and vision is an intentional commitment to an equitable education that centers the needs of our most marginalized students. To this end, our system needs dedicated policy, intentional practices, and committed people in order to create a learning environment where students and staff can thrive. This guidebook is designed to support schools and program offices in implementing and maintaining equity teams to ensure the actualization of the SDP vision and mission.
In Case You Missed It!
Equity in Practice: Taller Puertorriceño
On Wednesday, September 20th 2023, Taller Puertorriqueño (TR) shed light on the importance of preserving and promoting Puerto Rican Arts and Culture within the School District of Philadelphia. Participants learned more about TR`s services, connection to Equity, and tips on how to equitably support our Latinx community.
Latinx Heritage & LGBTQIA+ Identity- Intersectionality Panel
Last year The Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion decided to celebrate Hispanic Heritage and LGBTQ History Month by exploring the intersection between these identities. We are joined by incredible people within the community who share their experiences and the work their organizations are doing to uplift these marginalized communities. The group shares struggles they have experienced, resources and advice for those exploring their intersecting identities, and express the joy of finding their community.
The panel is moderated by Equity Training Specialist, Dylan Van Duyne. We are joined by: Kim Cardenas, a PhD Candidate at Penn Jorian Rivera Veintidos- Prevention and Education Manager at Galaei. Luz Matus- Representative of the Mexican Cultural Center.
Find this and other Hispanic Heritage Month Videos on our Youtube Page
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