"Do the best you can until you know better.

Then when you know better do better."

Maya Angelou

Our Why

About 20 years ago, my husband and I began our quest to learn more about systemic racism in America after picking up the book Education of Blacks in the South: 1860 - 1935 off the clearance table at our favorite bookstore. Because I come from a line of educators, books about the history of education have always piqued my interest. Once I read about the struggles Black/African Americans endured post-Civil War to be educated, I began wondering how other institutions had systematically denied Black/African Americans their rights and purposely subjugated them to second and some- times third-class citizenship.

So we dove in looking for books on major American institutions—-housing, politics, health care, business and labor, etc., and the story was the same, systemic racism was endemic in all of them. So we began giving books about the subject to family and friends, but our bigger dream was to enlighten an expanded audience beyond our small circle. After watching news stories about the horrific deaths of countless Black/African Americans at the hands of police and culminating with the murder of George Floyd, I knew I had to act.

Now, using the best weapon I have—-education—-we decided to launch an assault on systemic racism with a project to help people become anti-racist. Why Are They So Angry? is all about teaching the history rarely taught in high school or even colleges. The goal is to take participants through unexplored territory to understand how systemic racism operates in America then ultimately to see, say, and confront it in their own spheres of influence.

We’re not here to teach you how to be anti-racist; you'll have to do that work yourself. We’re here to show you when systemic racism got started in the first place and why you have no choice but to be anti-racist.

Meet the Team

  • Carol François

    Learning Ambassador

    Hi, I’m a lifetime educator who uses learning as a catalyst for positive change.  I began my thirty plus years in education at age three teaching my dolls on the doorstep outside our home.  Since that career starter, I’ve served in a variety of roles including Associate Commissioner of Education for the state of Texas; Chief of Staff for the Dallas Independent School District in Dallas, Texas; Assistant School Superintendent in Wake County Public Schools, North Carolina; director of learning for a 10,000 member international education association; department director at a regional education service center; as well as grade-level principal, and dean of instruction in two large urban school districts.  Education and learning are in my DNA, and my goal is to use my skills for the betterment of the world.

  • Kourtney Square

    Learning Liaison

    Hey there, I’m a writer, reader, and proud Blerd (Black Nerd). I love educating through art and popular culture. I have worked in corporate America since the age of twenty-three while also being a member of several community groups who, through the arts, exposed countless numbers of ethnic and racially diverse groups to the Black experience. I have written for several blogs about the Black Female experience navigating nerd culture, and, as the daughter of two theological scholars, faith and religion are also integral parts in my life’s work of teaching love, truth, and respect for all the peoples of the world. I am currently working on my first novel.

  • Clyde Henderson

    Editor

    Hello, I have many years experience as an administrative and communications professional with expertise in community and public relations, facilities management, and customer service. I also have experience in financial areas such as contract negotiation, estimates, and budget implementation. On the more creative and fun side, I’m also known for my abilities in photography, art (watercolor & acrylic), program implementation, including market surveys, research and planning, advertising, promotions and event planning.