psychological and emotional strain among communities of color – especially Black students? How do we build curriculum practices in schools – as opportunities for student learning and development – that center mental health? Educators tend to have good intentions and work overtime to meet the needs of their students. However, due to pressures and critiques inside and outside of education, they may forget fundamental imperatives that can propel or stifle learning opportunities in schools and classrooms. With an explicit focus on addressing educational equity, the presentation will focus on five imperatives necessary to build and cultivate justice in schools for mental health.

H. Richard Milner IV (also known as Rich) is Cornelius Vanderbilt Distinguished Professor and Chair of Education and Professor of Education in the Department of Teaching and Learning at Peabody College of Vanderbilt University. His research, teaching and policy interests concern urban education, teacher education, African American literature, and the social context of education. Professor Milner’s research examines practices and policies that support teacher effectiveness in urban schools. Professor Milner’s work has appeared in numerous journals, and he has published seven books.