American Paradigm Schools and Cabrini University last week hosted the annual Shirley Dixon Celebration of Urban Education Symposium at First Philadelphia Preparatory Charter School, 4300 Tacony St.
This year’s symposium, Changing The World, Through Culturally Responsive Leadership, featured a presentation from keynote speaker Muhammad Khalifa, Professor of Educational Administration and Executive Director of Urban and Rural Initiatives at Ohio State University, and an audience Q&A.
The event honors the legacy of Shirley Dixon, a leader and trailblazer in advocating for and facilitating “equitable” practices for all students.
In 1990, Dixon was asked to join Cabrini’s Board of Trustees, becoming the first black participant. Years later, she joined Cabrini faculty full-time as an assistant professor in the education department.
The crowd also heard from Ronald W. Whitaker II, director of the Center for Urban Education, Equity and Improvement at Cabrini; Ashley Redfearn, CEO of American Paradigm Schools; and Deborah Smith, CEO of First Philadelphia Preparatory Charter School.
Whitaker noted that the event was held on the 29th anniversary of the day South Africa held its first elections open to citizens of every race. Nelson Mandela was elected as the country’s first black president.
“We are extremely proud of the work our dedicated educators do with our students in the spirit of diversity, equity and inclusion,” Redfearn said. “Culturally responsive leadership is pivotal in our schools in order to uplift the next generation, and we strive to build upon the tools we have to allow our educators to even more broadly impact urban education in Philadelphia.” ••
