ICESC Breaking Barriers: Uniting for Educational Equity
The Indiana Council on Educating Students of Color (ICESC) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to enhancing academic success for students of color through innovative educational programs, community engagement, and policy advocacy. Founded by concerned educators and community activists in Indiana, ICESC focuses on literacy, diversity, and equity in education.
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The ICESC is proud to present a dissemination website for information, research and resources for practitioners to use in finding solutions for students of color and students that are academically underperforming.
ICESC is excited to partner with local and state chapters of the “Divine 9”, solidifying our shared commitment to educational equity. This collaboration (active with Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc., Indianapolis Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., Incorporated, Zeta Phi Chapter, Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc., Alpha Kappa Alpha, Alpha Mu Omega Chapter, Phi Beta Sigma-Xi Sigma Chapter) has formed the Indianapolis Coalition on Education Equity. Together, we have developed these actionable plans and strategies to improve educational outcomes for students of color.
Education Equity
Education equity is ensuring that every student receives the necessary resources and support to reach their full academic and social potential. The principle of ensuring that all students have access to the resources, opportunities, and support they need to succeed in school and beyond, regardless of their background identities, or circumstances. It emphasizes fairness, justice, and the elimination of systemic barriers that perpetuate disparities in educational outcomes.
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Education equity includes knowledge of an accurate and truthful telling of history, including local history, math, science, engineering, and inventions by Black scholars. Daily recognition of Black culture and programming to acknowledge the students’ unique gifts to the community, such as drum circles, strutting, and other unique forms of Black artistic and cultural expression, should be included in the curriculum. Swahili and Zulu should be included in the language offerings. ​
Know Your History: Dr. Patricia Payne and Mr. John Harris Loflin share insights on the impact of busing with education in Indianapolis.
“Give light and people will find the way.”
—Ella Baker
ICESC Building the Public Will
“Building The Public Will” for constituents most directly affected by the problem and change.
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Demand: To Stop Massive Literacy Failures Of African American Students In Indianapolis, Indiana. The Constituents: African American Students that Failed State Assessments and their Parents that bear the burdens.
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Community Stakeholders: As defined in The National Council on Educating Black Children, The Blue Print for Action provides corrective action items for Teachers, Administrators, Children, Parents, Church, Businesses, Policy Makers, Social Workers, Higher Education, Technology, Publishers, and Members of the Community.
Allies: Are corporations and businesses that do business with the Black community, but do not live in the community, and are not directly affected by the problem. Allies can and should support the community “needs” as long as they are willing to forgo public credit.
Dr. Chike Akua speaks with parents at the Flanner House about finding people in their village who can help and support them with their children. ​
"Knowledge rooted in experience shapes what we value and as a consequence how we know what we know as well as how we use what we know".
—bell hooks
Research and Solutions
The Indiana Council on Educating Students of Color (ICESC) has developed a comprehensive 5-year plan, "Breaking Barriers: A Holistic Educational Framework for Black Student Success," to address systemic inequities in education for Black students in Indianapolis. The framework emphasizes educational equity, cultural relevance, trauma-informed care, alternative school pathways, and foundational funding.
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"“In our work and in our living, we must recognize that difference is a reason for celebration and growth, rather than a reason for destruction.”
—Audre Lorde
Teaching Literacy
ICESC's objective of improving literacy and math outcomes includes both establishing direct academic support and sustainable structures. Projects and collaborations include:
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The Saturday Academy
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After School Literacy Centers
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Touching the Spirit
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We Care Festival Workshops
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Educational Summit
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​ICESC Teachers Curriculum Training
African American Teaching and Learning Patterns
Touching the Spirit Curriculum
“Students must have initiative; they should not be mere imitators. They must learn to think and act for themselves, and be free.”
—Cesar Chavez
Projects and Events
ICESC is involved with a wide range of projects, community events and literacy programs. Click on the links below and in the main menu to learn more.
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“Poetry is a political act because it involves telling the truth.”
—June Jordan
Partners - Collaborators - Alliances
ICESC is fortunate to have many partners, collaborators and alliances that support our important work for children and our community. They include The Spencer Foundation, the Divine Nine organizations, higher education, private sector partners, content partners and many others. Our partners can be found on the Partners page which is accessible here and on the main menu.
“No significant learning occurs without a significant relationship.”
—James Comer
“No matter what accomplishments you make, somebody helped you.”
—Althea Gibson
“There’s no excuse for the young people not knowing who the heroes or heroines are or were.”
—Nina Simone
Join Us and
Support ICESC
Please stay informed of our projects, community events, literacy programs and much more by visiting our website regularly and being on our mailing list.
Please consider a donation to support our important community work. ​
ICESC in Washington, D.C. in front of the Supreme Court.
“When ‘I’ is replaced with ‘We’, even illness becomes wellness”
—Malcolm X
