MEDFORD, Ore. – The feeling of community has changed a lot during the pandemic, but despite the challenges of gathering during COVID-19 one local organization is working to strengthen its community for the future success of students. That organization is the Black Southern Oregon Alliance, where it creates an environment black families in the Rogue Valley feel represented.
“It’s so important that students see themselves reflected in the community and their schools, in their curriculum,” said Becca Laroi is the Assistant Principal of Ashland High School.
She said in a primarily white area, research shows it’s crucial for black, indigenous, people of color or BIPOC students’ success to see themselves represented. A John Hopkins study suggests that if a black student has one black teacher in their K-12 experience they are 18% more likely to pursue higher education. Now, the same study said if a black student has two black teachers in their educational career they are 32%