Cabrini and American Paradigm Schools (APS) are proud to announce the Annual Shirley Dixon Celebration of Urban Education Symposium will take place on Thursday, April 27, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. EST at First Philadelphia Preparatory Charter School (4300 Tacony St, Philadelphia, PA 19124). The event will be available for in-person and virtual attendance.
RSVP to attend virtually or in person here
The annual symposium honors the legacy of Dr. Shirley Dixon, a trailblazing advocate for equitable practices in education. The evening brings together thought leaders, educators, and community members to engage in insightful discussions, networking, and celebrate Dr. Dixon's enduring contributions to urban education. In 1990, Dr. Dixon was asked to join Cabrini’s Board of Trustees, becoming the first African American participant. Years later, she continued her work as an educational leader by joining Cabrini faculty full-time as an assistant professor in the Education Department, making a significant impact on the lives of countless students and educators.
The symposium, "Changing The World, Through Culturally Responsive Leadership" will feature a keynote presentation by Dr. Muhammad Khalifa, Professor of Educational Administration and Executive Director of Urban and Rural Initiatives at Ohio State University.
“The event will remember the historical significance of April 27, 1994, the day South Africa held its first elections open to citizens of every race, and ultimately, Nelson Mandela, the late revolutionary leader and political prisoner, was elected as the country’s first Black President,” said Ronald W. Whitaker II, EdD, Director, Cabrini’s Center for Urban Education, Equity, and Improvement.
“Mandela believed education was the most powerful weapon to change the world. Thus, this year’s symposium intersects Mandela’s socio-political philosophical underpinnings around ‘change,’ through the lens of Culturally Responsive leadership, in and across, school and organizational boundaries,” continued Whitaker.
Attendees will have the opportunity to learn about dispositions of becoming a culturally responsive leader and discover how to embed culturally responsive tenets into their organizations. The schedule includes a private reception at 5:30 p.m. EST, followed by Dr. Khalifa's keynote address at 6:00 p.m. EST.
“We are extremely proud of the work our dedicated educators do with our students in the spirit of diversity, equity, and inclusion,” says Ashley Redfearn, CEO of American Paradigm Schools. “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.”
To attend this year’s symposium, please RSVP here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-annual-shirley-dixon-celebration-of-urban-education-tickets-622074500577.
About American Paradigm Schools
American Paradigm Schools (APS) is a nonprofit charter management organization that supports and serves four charter schools in North and Northeast Philadelphia. These schools are: First Philadelphia Preparatory Charter School; Lindley Academy Charter School; Memphis Street Academy; and Tacony Academy Charter School. For more information, visit www.ap-schools.org.
American Paradigm Schools are dedicated to equity and excellence for all learners, while celebrating the uniqueness of our communities. Our values drive our dedication to providing a world class education.