In this EDUTalk, titled "Speaking Through the Arts," I discuss the power of the arts for youth, particularly African immigrant youth, who often become quiet and shy in United States’ school spaces due to linguistic hierarchies that often discriminate against their Englishes, native languages, and multilingualism. and native languages.

Over the last few decades, schools across the nation have reduced or completely removed art programs due to budget cuts. However, the arts are essential for students' creative expression as well as their social, emotional, and mental well-being.