Antiracist Algebra Coalition

Formed in 2021, the Antiracist Algebra Coalition connects Syracuse community members and stakeholders in education to explore the intersection of antiracism and students’ success in algebra.

In our work, we aim to educate ourselves, educate others, and advocate for change around supporting all students to experience algebra as meaningfully connected to their lives.

Recent examples of our research, education, and advocacy efforts toward antiracist futures include:

• Youth participatory action research to center young people in education and advocacy around environmental justice through math and mapping.
  Project: Exploring the Intersection of Math Education and Geography through Youth-Centered Community-Engaged Research on Environmental Justice

• Community advocacy to promote lead poisoning prevention approaches connected to mathematical models of half-life and mapping of environmental justice.
  Event: Syracuse Truth Seekers Lead Poisoning Prevention Advocacy  (June 2023)

• Study of how antiracist algebra teaching supports students’ learning through Dr. Gholdy Muhammad’s “cultivating genius” lens of joy, criticality, intellect, skill, and identity.
  Project: “It was meaningful because …” (September 2023)

• Designing and implementing social justice math lessons for high school and college students, including a study of Interstate 81’s effects on Syracuse neighborhoods, culminating in community awareness event.
  Event: A Sense of Place (May 2021)

• Holding work sessions focused on Black Brilliance and Mathematics Coaching (Fall 2021).

For more information:

Nicole Fonger, Associate Professor

nfonger@syr.edu|315.443.1499