Branta Lockett
Executive Director, BLM 5280 Freedom School
I am a meticulous self-starter committed to advancing educational equity in public schools. Working with parents, students, teachers, schools, districts, communities, and policy makers, I enjoy finding creative solutions to complex problems and am able to communicate information simply and concisely. I enjoy working in diverse and collaborative teams in fast-paced environments and helping others achieve their expressed outcomes. I am experienced in using qualitative and quantitative data and am able to synthesize a narrative that people can understand, relate to, and be inspired by, helping them act to effectively meet their goals.
19
Feb. 5, 2023
5280 Freedom School with Branta Lockett
Branta Lockett moved through her educational odyssey at the highest levels. W.E.B. DuBois would have absolutely drafted her for his Talented Tenth All Star Team. Highly Gifted and Talented, International Baccalaureate, Brown University, she brought her sterling credentials to Denver, hoping to be the difference for all students, especially Black students. Her first two years as a Denver teacher were, simply put, “great.” But by year three, things began to unravel. She witnessed disproportionate disciplinary actions taken against Black boys. Still new to the work, she became a voice of advocacy for students and community. Her evaluation scores took a jarring dip. She changed roles, and found no support in any of them. Between COVID-19 and anti-Black dynamics within the union, she took the leap. The 5280 Freedom School, inspired by the Civil Rights era’s Mississippi Freedom Schools, launched first as a summer program. After having their charter initially rejected, they are poised …
Guest: Branta Lockett