Dr. Ivory Toldson will give a talk at the University of Lynchburg this month to unravel myths that stand in the way of racial equity in education.
Dr. Toldson will give the 2019 Schewel Lecture on Education and Human Diversity at 7 p.m. Wednesday, March 27 in Memorial Ballroom, Hall Campus Center. The lecture is free and open to the public.
His topic is his new book, released in February, titled No Bs (Bad Stats): Black People Need People Who Believe in Black People Enough Not to Believe Every Bad Thing They Hear About Black People.
According to the publisher’s website, “No BS (Bad Stats) uses data analysis, anecdotes, and powerful commentary to dispel common myths and challenge conventional beliefs about educating black children. [Toldson] teaches educators, parents, advocates, and students how to avoid bad stats, raise expectations, and create an educational agenda for black children that is based on good data, thoughtful analysis, and compassion.” A book signing will follow the lecture.
Dr. Toldson is a professor of counseling psychology at Howard University, president and CEO of the Quality Education for Minorities Network, and editor-in-chief of The Journal of Negro Education.
After earning his PhD in counseling psychology at Temple University in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Dr. Toldson became a correctional and forensic psychology resident at a U.S. Penitentiary, where he completed his dissertation about black men in the criminal justice system. He served as the executive director of the White House Initiative on Historically Black Colleges and Universities and senior research analyst for the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation.
Dr. Roger Jones, dean of the College of Education, Leadership Studies, and Counseling, said race-related gaps in opportunity and achievement are important issues for local schools to address. “Dr. Toldson has done significant research on the topic and his new book challenges some of the stereotypes that may be hindering progress in this area,” he said.
Dr. Jones hopes the talk will challenge the audience to look deeper into issues that affect student achievement. “I hope Dr. Toldson will challenge all of us to find ways to bring out the gift, talent, and passion that exist in every student,” he said. “I also hope his research, which focuses on the factors that impact the success of African-American students, will provide an avenue for educators, parents, and the community to explore ways to have a greater impact on our youth.”
The Rosel Schewel Lecture Series has brought distinguished professionals to campus to speak on topics related to education and human diversity since 1990. The lecture program is sponsored by an endowment established by Elliot S. Schewel in honor of his wife, Rosel H. Schewel.