Continuing our Black Educator Blog Series, where every Friday we'll be sharing stories of Black educators who have worked to advance racial and educational equity, today we are highlighting Dr. Nathan Hare and Dr. Ramona Edelin.
Dr. Nathan Hare is a sociologist, activist, and psychologist who is often called "the father of Black studies." Dr. Hare was born in Slick, Oklahoma in 1933, and grew up experiencing segregation and tense race relations. He planned on becoming a professional boxer until a high school teacher suggested Hare attend college. Dr. Hare received his A.B. degree in sociology from Langston University in 1954, and eventually went on to earn a PhD in both sociology and clinical psychology.
When schools began to close in response to the COVID-19 crisis this spring, it was difficult to predict what the future would hold for Horizons. How long would school doors be closed? What would the remainder of the school year look like for Horizons students and families? How much learning loss were Horizons students experiencing? What basic needs were going unmet?
Horizons programs across the country connected with their families right away and many made quick adjustments to provide meals, help with remote learning technology, and virtual tutoring sessions to help students with schoolwork. As it became clear that Horizons' six-week, in-person summer programming would have to be very different in 2020, our Network leaders came together to consider the best ways to engage students remotely while still maintaining the strong community that makes Horizons so special.
