Someone somewhere said, “Build it and they will come”. Gwinnett SToPP did just that for this year’s Dignity in Schools Week of Action event that was hosted at Georgia Gwinnett College in collaboration with the End Mass Incarceration GA Network, Georgia Council on Developmental Disabilities, GGC Psi Chi Honor Society and GGC Student Government Association. They came in all ages, backgrounds, and demographic representation to this powerful and interactive exposé that offered insight into the debilitating effects of the School to Prison Pipeline (STPP) epidemic.

Participants engaged in a combination gallery walk and scavenger hunt filled with infographics detailing potential outcomes from a disciplinary experience on a student’s future.  Intergenerational teams were formed to follow the tour of the various informational gallery stations which also contained a segment of their assigned student disciplinary story.  The story paths led teams down the path to success or devolved in the STPP. Upon collecting all segments of their assigned stories, the teams discussed their story and gallery information, then responded to a series of prompts on the possible pitfalls and successes of the student showcased in their individual student stories. Each team offered reflections on what they learned and how they were impacted by the information at the various stations during team report out.

The event also included a discussion led by Georgia Gwinnett College Professor Bramstadt on the origins, identification and effects of white privilege. Professor Bramstadt spoke intensely about his own white male privilege and why white privilege must be dismantled. Gwinnett SToPP youth, Amina and Isaiah, did an awesome job of emceeing the event.

Gwinnett SToPP extends its deepest gratitude to the many in attendance who braved the inclement weather and made this year’s event a resounding success!

Be sure to check out our event pics.