REALSOUL

?? CCSS 2025 is a wrap— and we’re already looking ahead to next year! ?? We packed the room (literally, to fire hazard levels) for Roots of Resistance: Advancing Ethnic Studies Pedagogy in K-12 Classrooms! The energy was electric as educators came together to push the boundaries of Ethnic Studies ???? The most powerful moment? Sharing student work from our Youth in Power program, lesson guides, and arts workshops with elementary students. Even for those familiar with the origins of Ethnic Studies, it was the voice of young folx that made everyone lean in closer ?? Because Ethnic Studies isn’t just about history — it’s about shaping the future ??? For those bringing this work to classrooms and communities, what strategies have been most impactful for you? ????

?? REALSOUL is heading to #CCSS2025! ?? We’re excited to be at the California Council for the Social Studies Conference this weekend! Join us Saturday mid-morning for "Roots of Resistance: Advancing #EthnicStudies Pedagogy in K-12 Classrooms" ???? In this session, we’ll explore: ?? The origin story of Ethnic Studies ?? The pedagogical philosophy behind it ?? How REALSOUL is supporting K-12 educators with meaningful resources ?? Practical strategies for integrating Ethnic Studies into classrooms Ethnic Studies is more than a field — it’s a transformative approach to teaching. Let’s build student-centered, justice-driven classrooms! ???? Are you attending? Stop by and connect with us! ? #K12Education #CulturallyResponsiveTeaching

We were SO honored to join our friends at Altair Education Consulting to create free resources about Ramadan! ?? These materials support educators in fostering an inclusive classroom by introducing the holy month and celebrating it together. Ramadan is a time of self-reflection, gratitude, and giving back—values that inspire us all to keep building compassionate, connected communities! ????

Dive into the world where Ramadan and zine making intersect! With one of our favorite collaborators, Altair and REALSOUL will be meeting TODAY online at 5PM PST/ 8PM EST and look forward to seeing you there! ??

February is Black History Month—a time to reflect on the resilience, brilliance, and contributions of Black people in the face of ongoing systemic oppression. But let’s be clear: a month of recognition does not erase centuries of harm, nor does it mean progress is guaranteed. White supremacy is embedded into the very fabric of this country, and we are still far from living up to the principles of justice and equality that the U.S. claims to uphold. Police brutality continues to take Black lives. The racial wealth gap persists. Voter suppression efforts target Black communities. And now, DEIB (Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging) is under attack—threatening programs and policies that seek to address historical and present-day racial inequities. When politicians and corporations roll back DEIA/DEIB commitments, they aren’t just making a policy shift—they are upholding the same systems of oppression that have always sought to exclude Black people from power, resources, and opportunity. They are sending a message that Black lives, Black voices, and Black futures are disposable. Black Lives Matter. This month and every month, we encourage everyone to confront the anti-Blackness that exists in the work you do and the spaces you occupy. Ask yourself: Who is being centered? Who is being excluded? Who is being expected to conform, assimilate, or shrink themselves to fit into predominantly white institutions? Honoring Black history means fighting for Black futures. It means resisting the erasure of #DEIA, holding institutions accountable, and ensuring that Black communities receive not just recognition—but justice, reparations, and real change. #BlackHistoryMonth #BlackFutures #DEIA #AntiBlackness #BlackLivesMatter #DEIB

?? Calling our East Bay educators! ?? We’re excited to announce the launch of an exciting new project, Embroidery for Change, ?? a one-day workshop designed for middle school educators to explore the intersection of art, social justice, and storytelling! With our partner, Hamesha Project, this workshop introduces embroidery as both an art form and a global tool of resistance. ?? APPLY HERE ?? https://lnkd.in/guTduz5v How to Apply:? ?? Applications open: February 3, 2025 ? Deadline to apply: March 22, 2025 ?? Notifications sent by: April 12, 2025 For those accepted, there is a $100 participation fee. Limited scholarships are available for public school educators. The workshop will be an in-person event in Oakland! Breakfast, lunch, and all materials will be provided.?Share with your friends, family, and let's get started!

We were lucky to go into Ms. Elaine's 5th grade class this week and these students blew us away. Not only were they analyzing our "Even If It Is Built of Jade" poster, but they were also giving presentations connecting the Chinese Exclusion Act, Angel Island, and modern immigration challenges! One student even shared their experience over the winter break, "I went to Costco with my parent and they were talking about the meaning of jade. They talked aboutthe color of jade and how it's supposed to protect you. And it made me think about the poster and what we were talking about in class!" Thinking about class during winter break? ???? This definitely made our day!

?? What do Dr. King and the Asian American Movement have in common? So much! ?? We're thrilled to announce that Antika Singh, curriculum writer and founder of Empowered Voices, LLC, has created a powerful lesson for grades 6-8: Analyzing Dr. King's 'Beyond Vietnam.' This lesson will be available free to download for a limited time, from January 13-20, 2025. Get your copy now! ?????

As we wrap up 2024, we want to take a moment to celebrate the incredible year we've had together! ?? Over the past 12 months, we hosted workshops, events, and collaborations. Our "In Unity, There is Survival" curriculum set launched and is now in its pilot stages in classrooms across the Bay Area, while our swag has made its way to communities in both San Francisco and Seattle! ??? If you've been with us since the beginning, you know that much of our curriculum centers #AsianAmerican experiences ?? In 2025, we’re excited to expand our work even further to ensure our materials reflect and celebrate #intersectional resistance of all marginalized communities. As we close out the year, we invite you to consider making an end-of-year donation to support our mission #givetuesday (although we know it's Thursday now): https://lnkd.in/gUg_UjUj From all of us at REALSOUL, thank you for your unwavering support and belief in our work. Here’s to another year of community and change! ?? - - - A huge shout out to our 2024 partners ?? AACRE, Altair Education Consulting, Asian Pacific Islander Cultural Center, Black Panther Party Alumni Network, Chinese Culture Center of San Francisco, Educate to Empower, EdLoc, Holocaust Museum LA, Hood Bakeshop, KOHO SF, On Waverly, Pin@y Educational Partnership, Sairen Shop, Wing Luke Museum, and 7 Generation Games

We wanted to take this wonderful Saturday to re-introduce ourselves! REALSOUL develops hands-on curriculum and workshops for educators, centering current issues through the lens of diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging. We are building K-8 interdisciplinary curriculum, focused on intersectional stories. As you may know, we currently focus mostly on Asian American narratives, but this is just a start. Our long-term goal is to really bridge these experiences to other marginalized communities and make those connections! Thank you for being part of this journey and definitely reach out if you'd like to be part of the work we're doing! ??: Jason Leung ??: Emma A.'s Classroom, festival with REALSOUL, and classroom presentations