Six years ago, Yatzil Romero Rodriguez migrated from Veracruz, Mexico, to Charlottesville and didn’t speak English. She said she struggled to fit in at one point because of the language barrier.
Author Archives: Billy Jean Louis
Billy Jean Louis joined Charlottesville Tomorrow as its education reporter in April 2019 and is a graduate of the University of Florida College of Journalism and Communications. Born in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, Jean Louis speaks English, Haitian Creole and French.
Posted inWork/Life
Minorities face challenges in securing STEM jobs
Related Articles: How can Charlottesville build an inclusive tech sector? Charlottesville superintendent to recommend changes to gifted program Charlie Rogers is at the height of his career. He serves as CEO of Innovative Software Solutions, a company he founded nearly 15 years ago specializing in custom medical software development. He was named the 2018 Entrepreneur […]
Posted inSoundboard
“Nosotros” film, Uber/Lyft strike, and the Charlottesville refugee community
Related Articles: Students’ videos highlight immigration issues West Main statue to be discussed as streetscape moves forward Mayor calls for removal of Lewis and Clark statue On WTJU’s Soundboard this week, Billy, Giles, and Elliott talk with host Lewis Reining about a student film about the experience of immigration and about discussions about whether to move or […]
Posted inUncategorized
Students’ videos highlight immigration issues
Nearly five months ago, Melanie Saravia, a senior at Albemarle High School, and her peers in the school’s Latinx Club said they wanted to make a video that would have an impact on the community. “We realized that there were so many students who walk through the halls here, yet nobody really knows the story […]
Posted inUncategorized
Charlottesville superintendent to recommend changes to gifted program
Related Articles: Students lead walkout for racial justice and equity City of Promise leader chosen as first supervisor of equity and inclusion for Charlottesville schools Charlottesville City Schools Superintendent Rosa Atkins said she will be recommending in June that School Board members make changes to the district’s Quest gifted education program. “It will look quite […]
Posted inSoundboard
New supervisor of equity and inclusion for Cville schools, plus a piece from “Broken Ground”
Related Articles: City of Promise leader chosen as first supervisor of equity and inclusion for Charlottesville schools In Charlottesville, Greensboro leaders discuss healing after racist violence On WTJU’s Soundboard this week, Billy, Giles, and Emily talk with host Eliza Wilson about the ongoing effects of the national spotlight on Charlottesville, including the city school division’s new hire […]
Posted inUncategorized
Diversity, inclusion discussed in wake of threat to Charlottesville schools
Nearly a month ago, a racist online threat prompted Charlottesville City Schools to close. The immediate response was to increase security measures. But parents are concerned about how the threat fits into a larger question regarding how students are being taught about diversity and inclusion. Earlier this month, Matt Haas, superintendent of Albemarle County Public […]
Posted inUncategorized
City of Promise leader chosen as first supervisor of equity and inclusion for Charlottesville schools
T. Denise Johnson, currently executive director of City of Promise, said she knows the power of education and representation for children — especially in Charlottesville. That was her reason for accepting the offer to be the first supervisor of equity and inclusion position for Charlottesville City Schools. Her new role will begin on May 15. […]
