Kerra is currently deeply engaged with a new project, Raze Development, a non-profit in north Spokane that will offer an inclusive early childhood education center that focuses on culturally-based education for Black students.

Kerra says she was “inspired by the Salish School of Spokane and by the Smithsonian Institution’s National Museum of African American History and Culture, which both celebrate culture and understanding in addition to aligning with her goal to support the education of Black students in Spokane.”

The center will offer much needed extended hours to match parents’ work schedules.

 

In the Spokane Journal of Business she explains her motivation by saying, “I just thought, how amazing would it be to have programming that’s culturally based in Black excellence and joy for the entire community that will start doing the work of taking away those stereotypes and those biases that we have ingrained in us … and just start humanizing being Black.”

https://www.spokanejournal.com/articles/15340-raze-development-plans-early-learning-center-on-north-side

You can also hear an interview with Kerra where she discusses:

• Her passion and the mission driving Raze Development's innovative approach to early learning
• Her insights into creating nurturing environments for young children to thrive and grow
• The impact of Raze Early Learning & Development Center on the community and future generations
• The planned innovative educational strategies and initiatives fostering child development and school readiness, and
• Her vision for the future of early childhood education and its role in building stronger communities.” https://rss.com/podcasts/skilskin/1334276/

 

* Kerra Bower is a member of the Spokane Alliance United Board of Directors and a member of the Racial Equity Team