--- title: "Student Leadership: I Am Black" description: A young Black student shares her experiences attending a largely white private school. This poignant reflection captures the challenges faced by those in a minority population. Listen to this courageous young woman as she opens eyes and asks peers to step up to the work of inclusion. image: https://blog.stlukesct.org/hubfs/Raven%20Meditation%202.jpg --- [![](https://blog.stlukesct.org/hubfs/logo-2025.png)](https://www.stlukesct.org/) [![SLS-Logo-2025-white](https://blog.stlukesct.org/hubfs/SLS-Logo-2025-white.png)](http://www.stlukesct.org/) ![blogleadingvoices banner.jpg](https://blog.stlukesct.org/hs-fs/hubfs/StLukesSchoolDec2016/image/blogleadingvoices%20%20banner.jpg?width=1000&name=blogleadingvoices%20%20banner.jpg "blogleadingvoices banner.jpg") [Inquire](https://stlukesct.myschoolapp.com/page/admissions/apply-to-sls/inquire-online) [Visit](https://www.stlukesct.org/page/admissions/visit-us) [Apply](https://www.stlukesct.org/page/admissions/apply-to-sls) # [Student Leadership: I Am Black](https://blog.stlukesct.org/iamblack) by [Kate Parker-Burgard](https://blog.stlukesct.org/author/kate-parker-burgard-director-of-community-connections) ![Kate Parker-Burgard: Director of Community Connections](https://blog.stlukesct.org/hubfs/Headshots%20for%20Authors/Parker-Burgard_Kathryn442.jpg) “That was really courageous,” said one of my advisees as we gathered after Raven Sead’s Meditation. Raven, an 11th-grade “lifer” (here since 5th grade) had just stood before her peers to share a window into her experience as a young Black person in our largely white school. Raven told of the culture shock that hit her at 10 years old as she joined a majority-white culture for the first time and of the comfort and importance of affinity as the number of students of color increased.  After talking about the familiar feeling of being new and feeling isolated, Raven pointed out: “For me...my sense of isolation didn’t come from being the new person in the room but from being the only Black person in the room. In my time here at St. Luke’s, I have grown accustomed to being the only Black person, or even just the only person of color in the room.” Below is Raven’s Meditation, which she delivered to the Middle and Upper Schools: Raven’s reflection is one example of the important conversations going on at St. Luke’s School. These topics are never easy, but when we really embrace diversity the first step is listening to one another. This Meditation offered a perfect opportunity for the community to do just that. Other recent initiatives include the [Social Justice Leadership Summit](https://www.stlukesct.org/page/news-detail?pk=1238299&fromId=230295)in late January, ongoing [Curious Conversations](https://mcc.gse.harvard.edu/resources-for-educators/talking-across-the-aisle-at-st-lukes-school), guest speaker [Anthony Ray Hinton](https://www.stlukesct.org/page/news-detail?pk=1225152), a special Upper School faculty meeting led by the Student Diversity Leadership Council, and an upcoming edition of [The Sentinel](https://digitalsentinel.org/)focusing on equity and inclusion. Head of Upper School Liz Perry and Head of Middle School Amber Berry recently invited all parents to join [“a conversation about issues of race and racism.”](https://stlukesct.myschoolapp.com/podium/push/default.aspx?i=329975&s=96&snd=43962c6b-a1ec-46d5-af11-1614e055ef81) Parents were asked to participate in a community read and discussion of [The Hate U Give](https://www.csmonitor.com/Books/Book-Reviews/2017/0301/The-Hate-U-Give-provides-a-window-into-conversations-about-race) on March 27, and on April 13, St. Luke’s will host its first Social Justice Leadership Summit designed for parents. All of these efforts are fueled by St. Luke’s [Vision for Inclusive Excellence](https://stlukesct.myschoolapp.com/ftpimages/96/download/download_2532345.pdf) which  was approved by the Board of Trustees in 2017 and which outlines...  *That every individual in our community learns in the rich context of a diverse population of students and faculty who come to appreciate one another’s experiences, perspectives and talents through collaborative work, inquiry, dialogue and action,* *That every individual in our community belongs, is valued, and has a stake in the life and purpose of St. Luke’s.* *Every individual in our community  continuously pursues and demonstrates effective communication and interpersonal skills,* These are lofty goals, not easily attainable but essential if St. Luke’s is to be the inclusive, loving, exceptional school—for all—that we strive to be. Read more about equity and inclusion at St. Luke's: [The Right to Differ](https://blog.stlukesct.org/the-right-to-differ)and [A Powerful Example of Moral Courage](https://blog.stlukesct.org/a-powerful-example-of-moral-courage) by Head of School Mark Davis [Music & Meaning Meditation](https://vimeo.com/147749135)by Assistant Head of School for Leadership & Innovation, Jim Foley [The Heroic Leadership of MLK](https://blog.stlukesct.org/mlkheroicleader) and [Remembering Civil Rights](https://blog.stlukesct.org/rememberingcivilrights) by History Teacher Jason Haynes  [Student Leadership in Action: Social Justice Leadership Summit](https://blog.stlukesct.org/studentleadershipsummit) by [Dr. Stephanie Bramlett](https://www.exeter.edu/news/exeter-names-first-director-equity-and-inclusion) [Mr. Owen's Guide to Being Biracial](https://blog.stlukesct.org/guide-to-being-biracial)by former teaching fellow Tom Owen [I don't care for that word—it's unacceptable](https://vimeo.com/55058206)by former SLS parent and English teacher Phillip Van Munching.  Visit the [St. Luke's Center for Leadership](https://www.stlukesct.org/center-for-leadership/find-your-voice-make-a-difference) for more about [Inclusion](https://www.stlukesct.org/center-for-leadership/inclusion).     - - - - [![Learn more about St. Luke's - download our brochure](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/2035825/45ec86aa-f07f-4c17-bcfd-1ed3b8453a3e.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/2035825/45ec86aa-f07f-4c17-bcfd-1ed3b8453a3e)         ## Leave a comment ### Get our latest blog posts! ![Kate Parker-Burgard: Director of Community Connections](https://blog.stlukesct.org/hubfs/Headshots%20for%20Authors/Parker-Burgard_Kathryn442.jpg) [Kate Parker-Burgard](https://blog.stlukesct.org/author/kate-parker-burgard-director-of-community-connections) Kate Parker-Burgard is St. Luke's Director of Community Connections and has been at the school since 2003. Previously, she served as Director of St. Luke's Center for Leadership as well as Director of Character Education before assuming her current role in 2023. Kate holds a BA with a concentration in Religion from Hamilton College and a Master of Divinity degree from Union Theological Seminary. She was ordained into the United Methodist Church. She is also a member of the Board of the Foundation 4 Orphans. ![profile_icon.png](https://blog.stlukesct.org/hs-fs/hubfs/profile_icon.png?width=200&height=200&name=profile_icon.png) ### By Author - [Amber Berry: Former Head of Middle School ( 2 )](https://blog.stlukesct.org/author/amber-berry) - [Beth Yavenditti: Director of Global Education ( 3 )](https://blog.stlukesct.org/author/beth-yavenditti-director-of-global-education) - [Carrie Meatto: Spanish Teacher ( 1 )](https://blog.stlukesct.org/author/carrie-meatto-spanish-teacher) - [Daphne Teittinen-Schreck: ESS Director ( 1 )](https://blog.stlukesct.org/author/daphne-teittinen-schreck-ess-director) - [Dr. Jason Haynes: History Chair ( 2 )](https://blog.stlukesct.org/author/dr-jason-haynes-history-chair) - [Dr. Stephanie Bramlett: Former Director of Inclusive Excellence ( 2 )](https://blog.stlukesct.org/author/dr-stephanie-bramlett-former-director-of-inclusive-excellence) - [Gareth Fancher: Director of Emotional Intelligence ( 1 )](https://blog.stlukesct.org/author/gareth-fancher-director-of-emotional-intelligence) - [Georgia Rosenberg '19: Student ( 1 )](https://blog.stlukesct.org/author/georgia-rosenberg-19-student) - [Hunter Martin: Summer Program Director ( 1 )](https://blog.stlukesct.org/author/hunter-martin-summer-program-director) - [Jacqueline Nelson: Director of Equity and Inclusion ( 4 )](https://blog.stlukesct.org/author/jacqueline-nelson-director-of-equity-and-inclusion) - [Jane Olsen: Fifth Grade Teacher (retired) ( 1 )](https://blog.stlukesct.org/author/jane-olsen) - [Jason Giffen: Director of Enrollment Management ( 4 )](https://blog.stlukesct.org/author/jason-giffen-director-of-enrollment-management) - [Jessie Samuel, Fifth Grade Science Teacher ( 1 )](https://blog.stlukesct.org/author/jessie-samuel-fifth-grade-science-teacher) - [Jim Foley: Asst. Head of School for Leadership & Innovation ( 2 )](https://blog.stlukesct.org/author/jim-foley-asst-head-of-school-for-leadership-innovation) - [Jim Yavenditti: Director of Studies ( 1 )](https://blog.stlukesct.org/author/jim-yavenditti-director-of-studies) - [Joshua Schneider, Upper School Science Teacher ( 1 )](https://blog.stlukesct.org/author/joshua-schneider-upper-school-science-teacher) - [Julia Gabriele: Associate Head of School & Chief Financial Officer ( 5 )](https://blog.stlukesct.org/author/julia-gabriele-associate-head-of-school-chief-financial-officer) - [Kate Parker-Burgard: Director of Community Connections ( 22 )](https://blog.stlukesct.org/author/kate-parker-burgard-director-of-community-connections) - [Liz Perry: Assistant Head of School for Academics ( 11 )](https://blog.stlukesct.org/author/liz-perry) - [Mark Chuhta: Asst. Head of Middle School ( 1 )](https://blog.stlukesct.org/author/mark-chuhta-asst-head-of-middle-school) - [Mary Halpin Carter: Head of School ( 3 )](https://blog.stlukesct.org/author/mary-carter) - [Nancy Troeger: Director of Marketing and Communications ( 3 )](https://blog.stlukesct.org/author/nancy-troeger-director-of-marketing-and-communications) - [Sonia Bell: Director of College Counseling ( 2 )](https://blog.stlukesct.org/author/sonia-bell-director-of-college-counseling) - [Stephen Vehslage: Associate Director of College Counseling ( 1 )](https://blog.stlukesct.org/author/stephen-vehslage-associate-director-of-college-counseling) - [Students: Jack Briggs '21 and Liam Patty '21 ( 1 )](https://blog.stlukesct.org/author/students-jack-briggs-21-and-liam-patty-21) - [Tom Owen: English Teaching Fellow ( 1 )](https://blog.stlukesct.org/author/tom-owen-english-teaching-fellow) - Gareth Fancher ( 1 ) ### Recent Articles ### Posts by Topic - [Leadership (44)](https://blog.stlukesct.org/topic/leadership) - [Character (33)](https://blog.stlukesct.org/topic/character) - [Mission (32)](https://blog.stlukesct.org/topic/mission) - [Community (28)](https://blog.stlukesct.org/topic/community) - [School (25)](https://blog.stlukesct.org/topic/school) - [Innovation in Education (18)](https://blog.stlukesct.org/topic/innovation-in-education) - [Lifelong Learning (18)](https://blog.stlukesct.org/topic/lifelong-learning) - [Service (18)](https://blog.stlukesct.org/topic/service) - [teens (18)](https://blog.stlukesct.org/topic/teens) - [private school (14)](https://blog.stlukesct.org/topic/private-school) - [Inspiration (13)](https://blog.stlukesct.org/topic/inspiration) - [Values (13)](https://blog.stlukesct.org/topic/values) - [Moral Compass (11)](https://blog.stlukesct.org/topic/moral-compass) - [Parenting (10)](https://blog.stlukesct.org/topic/parenting) - [Diversity & Inclusion (9)](https://blog.stlukesct.org/topic/diversity-inclusion) - [Global Perspective (9)](https://blog.stlukesct.org/topic/global-perspective) - [Above and Beyond (7)](https://blog.stlukesct.org/topic/above-and-beyond) - [Gratitude (7)](https://blog.stlukesct.org/topic/gratitude) - [Moral Courage (7)](https://blog.stlukesct.org/topic/moral-courage) - [Well-Being (7)](https://blog.stlukesct.org/topic/well-being) - [Freedom (4)](https://blog.stlukesct.org/topic/freedom) - [Mindfulness (4)](https://blog.stlukesct.org/topic/mindfulness) - [SLSHeroes (4)](https://blog.stlukesct.org/topic/slsheroes) - [college (4)](https://blog.stlukesct.org/topic/college) - [Civil Discourse (3)](https://blog.stlukesct.org/topic/civil-discourse) - [College Admissions (3)](https://blog.stlukesct.org/topic/college-admissions) - [Resilience (3)](https://blog.stlukesct.org/topic/resilience) - [Student Voices (3)](https://blog.stlukesct.org/topic/student-voices) - [Technology (3)](https://blog.stlukesct.org/topic/technology) - [humanity (3)](https://blog.stlukesct.org/topic/humanity) - [Meditation (2)](https://blog.stlukesct.org/topic/meditation) - [Parents as Partners (2)](https://blog.stlukesct.org/topic/parents-as-partners) - [Postive (Alumni) Outcomes (2)](https://blog.stlukesct.org/topic/postive-alumni-outcomes) - [Private School Admissions (2)](https://blog.stlukesct.org/topic/private-school-admissions) - [student-led learning (2)](https://blog.stlukesct.org/topic/student-led-learning) - [Athletics (1)](https://blog.stlukesct.org/topic/athletics) - [Family (1)](https://blog.stlukesct.org/topic/family) - [Patriotism (1)](https://blog.stlukesct.org/topic/patriotism) - [middle school (1)](https://blog.stlukesct.org/topic/middle-school) \[see all\] ### Popular Articles #### Related posts [![Enter to Learn. 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Every Word Counts](https://blog.stlukesct.org/everywordcounts) ![Jacqueline Nelson: Director of Equity and Inclusion](https://blog.stlukesct.org/hubfs/Nelson_Jaci.jpeg) By [Jacqueline Nelson: Director of Equity and Inclusion](https://blog.stlukesct.org/everywordcounts/author/jacqueline-nelson-director-of-equity-and-inclusion) [![The Best of Our Human Instincts](https://blog.stlukesct.org/hubfs/Hubspot%20Blog%20Banner%201200x300%20(2).png)](https://blog.stlukesct.org/bestofourhumaninstincts) ### [The Best of Our Human Instincts](https://blog.stlukesct.org/bestofourhumaninstincts) ![Jacqueline Nelson: Director of Equity and Inclusion](https://blog.stlukesct.org/hubfs/Nelson_Jaci.jpeg) By [Jacqueline Nelson: Director of Equity and Inclusion](https://blog.stlukesct.org/bestofourhumaninstincts/author/jacqueline-nelson-director-of-equity-and-inclusion) [![A Curious Talk About A Wildly Different Tool: St. Luke’s School Embraces Emerging Technologies](https://blog.stlukesct.org/hubfs/AI%20Blog%20Banner.png)](https://blog.stlukesct.org/curioustalk) ### [A Curious Talk About A Wildly Different Tool: St. Luke’s School Embraces Emerging Technologies](https://blog.stlukesct.org/curioustalk) ![Liz Perry: Assistant Head of School for Academics](https://blog.stlukesct.org/hubfs/Perry_Elizabeth470-1.jpg) By [Liz Perry: Assistant Head of School for Academics](https://blog.stlukesct.org/curioustalk/author/liz-perry) - [REQUEST MORE INFO](https://info.stlukesct.org/get-started) - [Come Visit Us](http://www.stlukesct.org/page/admissions/visit-us) - [Apply Now](http://www.stlukesct.org/page/admissions/apply-to-sls) - [Make a Gift Today](http://www.stlukesct.org/page/community/giving-at-st-lukes) - [![Facebook](https://blog.stlukesct.org/hubfs/StLukesSchoolDec2016/image/Facebook.png)](http://www.facebook.com/pages/St-Lukes-School/44751060933) - [![instagram](https://blog.stlukesct.org/hubfs/StLukesSchoolDec2016/image/Instagram.png)](http://instagram.com/stlukesct) - [![twitter](https://blog.stlukesct.org/hubfs/StLukesSchoolDec2016/image/Twitter.png)](https://twitter.com/stlukesschool) - [![youtube](https://blog.stlukesct.org/hubfs/StLukesSchoolDec2016/image/YouTube.png)](https://www.youtube.com/user/stlukes377/featured) - [![pinterest](https://blog.stlukesct.org/hubfs/StLukesSchoolDec2016/image/Pinterest.png)](https://www.pinterest.com/stlukesct/) - [![linkedin](https://blog.stlukesct.org/hubfs/StLukesSchoolDec2016/image/LinkedIn.png)](https://www.linkedin.com/company/st--luke%27s-school) St. Luke’s School is a secular private school in New Canaan, Connecticut for grades 5 through 12 serving 25 towns in Connecticut and New York. Our rigorous programs and diverse co-educational community strive for excellence, fostering students intellectual and ethical development and preparing them for top colleges. St. Luke’s balanced, multi-dimensional experience provides students with the tools they need for leadership and service in the world. ![St. Luke's Logo and Contact Block](https://blog.stlukesct.org/hubfs/StLukesSchoolDec2016/image/footer%20Logo.png) - [377 North Wilton Road New Canaan, CT 06840](https://www.google.com/maps/dir/Current+Location/377+N+Wilton+Rd,+New+Canaan,+CT+06840) - [(203) 966-5612](tel:(203)%20966-5612) - [info@stlukesct.org](mailto:info@stlukesct.org) - [**Contact Us**](http://www.stlukesct.org/page/facultystaff-directory) - [![NAIS](https://blog.stlukesct.org/hubfs/StLukesSchoolDec2016/image/NAIS.png)](http://www.nais.org/Pages/default.aspx) Open Sitemap - [Admissions](http://www.stlukesct.org/page/admissions) - [Welcome](http://www.stlukesct.org/page/admissions/welcome) - [Visit Us](http://www.stlukesct.org/page/admissions/visit-us) - [Apply to SLS](http://www.stlukesct.org/page/admissions/apply-to-sls) - [FAQs](http://www.stlukesct.org/page/admissions/faqs) - [Tuition & Financial Aid](http://www.stlukesct.org/page/admissions/tuition--financial-aid) - [Academics](http://www.stlukesct.org/page/academics) - [Love of Learning](http://www.stlukesct.org/page/academics/love-of-learning) - [Curriculum](http://www.stlukesct.org/page/academics/curriculum) - [Middle School](http://www.stlukesct.org/page/academics/middle-school) - [Upper School](http://www.stlukesct.org/page/academics/upper-school) - [Academic Resources](http://www.stlukesct.org/page/academics/academic-resources/advisory-program) - [Learning & Technology](http://www.stlukesct.org/page/academics/learning--technology) - [College Counseling](http://www.stlukesct.org/page/academics/college-counseling) - [Center for Leadership](http://www.stlukesct.org/page/center-for-leadership/find-your-voice-make-a-difference-) - [Find your voice. 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