What does it mean to raise children with an anti-bias and anti-racist lens? How do we build skills for working with and parenting the next generation to be more racially literate and confident? The best medicine for “unlearning” racism and other “isms” is to start young, when our first patterns of relationship are set. Our intention is to invite self-reflection and dialogue within our community around equity and inclusion work both at home and at school. We strive to grow our capacity to use effective tools to interrupt bias and respond to what children notice and question around differences, in an atmosphere of curiosity, optimism, and safety.
PARENT EDUCATION WITH BENJAMIN MERTZ
Thursday, April 13 • 8:30-10:30am
Oak Grove is thrilled to support an on-campus residency with Benjamin Mertz, composer, performer, and song leader who specializes in music of the Black Spiritual tradition.
Benjamin is a human rights and racial justice advocate. When not performing music, he writes and speaks on issues of racial justice, economic justice, Black History, and works on creating interfaith and interracial alliances.
Through student assemblies, class meetings, faculty and staff in-service, and parent education, students of all ages, parents, and staff will have the opportunity to engage with Benjamin throughout his stay in April.
About Benjamin Mertz
Benjamin Mertz was born in Hackensack, NJ, and has lived in California’s SF Bay Area since 2008. He is the Director of Diversity & Inclusion for the Berkeley Executive Coaching Institute (BECI), on the board of directors of the Interfaith Movement for Human Integrity, and the founder/director of the Joyful Noise! Gospel Singers.
Benjamin is a composer, performer, and song leader who specializes in music of the Black Spiritual tradition. He can often be found leading songs at benefit concerts, vigils, protest actions, sacred services, and workshops. Benjamin’s most recent album of Black Spiritual music, called “Climbing Up the Mountain,” is available at the Shop page of this website.
Benjamin is a human rights and racial justice activist. When not performing music, he writes and speaks on issues of racial justice, economic justice, Black History, and works on creating interfaith and interracial alliances.
Benjamin lives in Richmond, CA.
Learn more at benjaminmertz.com.
