Event Recap: Coloring Outside the Lines with St Luke’s Connecticut
A Transformative Evening of Connection, Advocacy, and Support
Last night, the Fireplace Commons at St Luke’s School became a space of warmth, wisdom, and empowerment as parents, students, and educators gathered for an event dedicated to fostering mental health, belonging, and resilience within BIPOC families navigating predominantly white institutions (PWIs). The evening, hosted by Mosaic Co-Chairs and supported by SLS leadership, was an inspiring reminder of the power of community and collective wisdom.
Free Download:
Dr. Aaron McDaniel’s List of Mental Health Resources for Parents and Families of Color
We began with shared meals and shared stories.
Over dinner, parents and students connected, setting the tone for an evening of candid conversations and mutual support. The Mosaic Co-Chairs framed the gathering with gratitude for the school’s leadership and a shared "why": a commitment to recognizing the unique challenges faced by BIPOC families in PWIs and the transformative power of intentional community and expert guidance.
Fireside Chat: Navigating the Journey Together
Our featured guests, Dr. Aaron McDaniel, an SLS parent and Psychiatrist, and Gina Parker Collins, founder of RIISE, brought depth and insight to a fireside chat that resonated deeply with attendees. Gina’s personal anecdotes and Aaron’s thoughtful inquiries illuminated the complexities of raising confident, thriving children in environments that don’t always affirm their identities.
Together, they tackled topics like:
Navigating dual identities: How to empower children to be confident in their Blackness while excelling in environments where they may feel hyper-visible or isolated.
Parent advocacy: The importance of pushing back against biased feedback, building relationships with allies in the school community, and modeling self-care for our children.
The role of mentorship: From teachers and counselors of color to external spaces like RIISE, creating networks of support is essential for processing challenges and finding solutions.
The conversation moved beyond challenges to explore practical strategies for reducing stress, identifying signs of mental health concerns, and addressing intergenerational trauma. The audience engaged in meaningful dialogue, reflecting on the shared journey and gleaning actionable takeaways for their families.
Student Voices: Strategies for Success
Meanwhile, in the Black Box, students were leading their own transformative conversations. Through an interactive session facilitated by Tyjee, Shelby, Tasia, Elon, and Jaci, students explored themes like authenticity versus assimilation, social isolation, and coping with exhaustion in high-pressure academic environments.
In a final panel, students shared strategies for leveraging the independent school opportunity, offering advice grounded in lived experiences and a commitment to creating positive change within their communities.
Community Closing: What We Wish the Other Knew
The evening concluded with a powerful "fishbowl" exercise, where parents and students shared their hopes, challenges, and dreams for one another. Parents expressed what they wished their children knew about their unwavering support and pride, while students shared what they hoped their parents understood about the pressures they face.
As affirmations echoed through the room, the sense of joy and unity was palpable. The night ended with a call-and-response of love and empowerment, a reminder that our collective strength lies in our ability to show up for one another, celebrate our identities, and advocate for lasting change.
Moving Forward
Events like these remind us that no one walks this path alone. Together, as a community, we are building a foundation of understanding, resilience, and hope for the next generation of leaders. Thank you to everyone who made this evening possible and to the families who continue to inspire us with their courage and commitment.
Let’s keep the conversation going—because together, we rise.