On May 23, 2026, the Ed Equity Collective (formerly SURJ KC) hosted their annual Teach Truth event at the Johnson County Arts and Heritage Center in Overland Park, Kansas. Michael Rebne (on the far right), physics teacher and alumni Teaching for Black Lives study group coordinator, said,
Our day of action featured powerful speakers, including a strong advocate and teacher of immigrant children, a leader of a LGBTQ+ advocacy and policy organization, and a leader of an organization that serves unhoused LGBTQ+ teens and those experiencing other crises. We also hosted a local bookstore to sell Heather McGhee’s, The Sum of Us, which we will use for our upcoming biannual book club.
Approximately 20 people engaged in a banned book swap, Q&A with our speakers, and rally chants to keep our spirits high. One of our participants called the event an urgent call to action for school advocates to protect our most vulnerable students. It was an emotional and ultimately fortifying morning in community.
The Zinn Education Project appreciates the Ed Equity Collective for their dedicated efforts to be visible in their defense of teaching people’s history, since 2021. They are joined by teachers and allies across the country who are rallying to raise awareness about the threats to public education, LGBTQ+ students, immigrants, the climate, democracy, and more. There are many ways to participate. Join us!
