Voices of Change with Nicole Yarde: Generational Trauma

In this episode, Stacey DeWitt interviews Nicole Yarde, a passionate and dedicated educator and community leader committed to the development of students, educators, and families. With over 20 years of experience, Nicole has made a career of developing programs that center on the social justice, liberatory education and social-emotional well-being. Nicole has developed several programs, including the Emerging Leaders for Social Justice Institute (ELSJI) within the Office of Equity and Access, with the goal of improving the personal relationships of youth and the way they relate and respond to injustice. Her recent project, The Change Agent Academy, focuses on liberatory education supporting the transformation of oppressive societal structures and promoting more just and equitable communities.  

 

Nicole is resolute in dedicating her time, energy, and voice to disrupting historical, systemic, social and racial inequities that continually work to impede the advancement of students of color. Nicole holds a B.S. in English and Journalism from Medgar Evers College (CUNY) and an M.A. in International Education from NYU.   

 

Powerful Moments   

 

Pay attention throughout this podcast to powerful moments that provide deeper insight into the individuals and topics discussed, including:   

• 0:34 – Nicole discusses growing up in Barbados and how education played a key role in her life. 
• 5:18 – Nicole discusses the stereotyping of black boys and the education practices surrounding them in this country. 
• 9:24 – Nicole talks about Generational Trauma and the effect it has on a person. What does it mean to have a reinforced negative narrative? 
• 17:53 – Nicole explains the approach of “starting with the mind” in her work and the importance of young men talking about how they feel. She speaks on educators and the need to begin with affirming young men, valuing them, and seeing them.  
• 20:17 – Nicole explains what Generational Trauma means to her. 
• 27:14 – Nicole explains her approach to social emotional learning and shares the story of the student who brought her to create the Change Academy.