Using Stories to Inspire Change

What happens when over 600 educators, students, organizers, and advocates gather in community to center racial equity and storytelling? We found out at this year’s Color of Education Summit in Raleigh, North Carolina. In this episode, Andrew takes us inside the summit—hosted by the Dudley Flood Center for Educational Equity and Opportunity—to hear voices from across the state and country. From keynote speeches to hallway conversations, we witness the power of stories to connect, inspire, and catalyze change. We hear from Dr. Deanna Townsend-Smith, who set the tone with vulnerability, legacy, and a call to collective action. And we meet educators, community leaders, organizers, and students whose stories underscore that equity work is personal, communal, and ongoing. Dr. Val and Andrew reflect on what it really means to talk about equity—and how we move beyond “access” to ensure all children can truly thrive. If you’re wondering what role stories play in building a better future, or where to find hope in hard times, this one’s for you. 🎧 Listen in, and then tell us: What story are you carrying? (http://speakpipe.com/integratedschools) LINKS Color of Education 2025 - https://floodcenter.org/2025/a-recap-of-the-color-of-education-summit-recognizing-the-power-in-the-stories-we-carry/ Dudley Flood Center for Educational Equity and Opportunity - https://floodcenter.org/ Tara Roberts - Into the Depths (Podcast) - https://www.nationalgeographic.com/podcasts/into-the-depths I Am Leandro Project - https://www.iamleandro.org/ Profound Gentlemen - https://www.profoundgentlemen.org/ Public Schools First NC - http://publicschoolsfirstnc.org/ Public School Forum of North Carolina - https://www.ncforum.org/ Check out our Bookshop.org storefront to support local bookstores, and send a portion of the proceeds back to us. - https://bookshop.org/shop/IntegratedSchools Share your thoughts by leaving us a voice mail - speakpipe.com/integratedschools Join our Patreon to support this work, and connect with us and other listeners to discuss these issues even further. - https://www.patreon.com/integratedschools Subscribe to our YouTube Channel for video versions of our episodes. - https://www.youtube.com/@integratedschools Let us know what you think of this episode, suggest future topics, or share your story with us – IntegratedSchools on Facebook, @integratedschools on Instagram and TikTok, or email us podcast@integratedschools.org. The Integrated Schools Podcast was created by Courtney Mykytyn and Andrew Lefkowits. This episode was produced by Andrew Lefkowits and Val Brown. It was edited, and mixed by Andrew Lefkowits. Music by Kevin Casey. Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy