…a reflection about libraries and the role they play in the community by Stacey James McAdoo… (This piece was originally written for the Arkansas Times in support of the millage tax for CALS.) The universal symbol for libraries is typically an open book. And I understand why, but libraries are so much more than books. When I think of the Central Arkansas Library System, the imagery…

…reflections on the power of play, imagination and museums by Stacey James McAdoo… (originally written for the Museum of Discovery’s SPARK Stars award ceremony luncheon) Growing up, I used to line my dolls up in my bedroom and play school with Craig — my baby brother and only sibling. We would do lots of hands-on activities like making up songs to explain things…

My friends and I have been reimaging education and solving all of the world’s problems for decades. No, really. In 1999, my husband and I invited about three dozen or so people from our various circles to break bread with us in our “new-to-us” home as a housewarming gift to…

…a lesson, reflection and presentation for the 23rd day of Ramadan 2021 by Stacey James McAdoo… The first time I saw Spirit Trickey, the daughter of Minnie Jean Brown Trickey (who is one of the nine Black children who desegregated Little Rock Central High school in 1957 and who are…

“I’m really glad you’re back,” she said quietly behind the mask that hid her smile as she zipped up her backpack and prepared to exit the classroom. There had been signs before today. Like when she showed up for class four hours early. Or when, despite her school pivoting to…

🎶 Here I am, baby. Signed, sealed, delivered, I'm yours.🎶 -Stevie Wonder Raise your hand if you remember Obama’s first inauguration. What I remember most is the electricity and excitement that caused my family to hop on a bus and head to DC to stand outside in the freezing cold…

🎵Just like I told you, You must learn.🎵 -KRS1, Boogie Down Productions Even before the days of Covid, pivots, and hybrid classrooms, educators have always understood that learning isn’t, never has been, and never will be confined to the walls of a classroom. The other day I had a conversation…

As we prepare to return to school and work, let us continue to carry gratitude with us in the days ahead. The number of lessons and skills teachers teach far exceeds the number of days spent in the classroom (face to face, remotely, or otherwise). Like most educators, I have…

As we prepare to celebrate Thanksgiving, let us be mindful that some will be observing that day as the National Day of the Mourning. The National Day of Mourning, an annual protest organized by Native Americans of New England, has officially been observed since 1970. These gatherings are demonstrations against…