We recently connected with Jshauntae Marshall and have shared our conversation below.
Jshauntae, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Risking taking is a huge part of most people’s story but too often society overlooks those risks and only focuses on where you are today. Can you talk to us about a risk you’ve taken – it could be a big risk or a small one – but walk us through the backstory.
On March 19, 2019 my life changed forever. Waking up to death threats against the lives of black children at my son’s high school and then to see his photo pictured as 1 of 9 targets on social media captioning the most hateful and derogatory words towards black children I had every seen in my life. While, this should have invoked fear, it had the opposite affect and ignited a spark that lit a match, which became the blaze of civil rights in education across Nevada.
1865 No Racism In Schools was birthed, and a risk in it self. With the lives of black children and families on the line, including my own, I decided to leave my comfy corporate career to fight for anti-racism and to dismantle systemic racism in education. Thus Co-Founding what many know as 1865.
Jshauntae, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?
I am Jshauntae Marshall, the Co-Founder No Racism In Schools #1865 a nonprofit organization focused on closing the gaps in policies, laws, and protocols that govern race related matters in schools. Our mission is to foster hate free educational environments nationwide for all kids, creating zero tolerance.
Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?
We launched a campaign called “Write The Policy”. As one of the many actions taken to rid our school system of any tolerance for racism. This campaign was the force behind the creation and implementation of an Anti-Racism Policy in Clark County School District. The 5th Largest school district in the nation. Our resilience was demonstrated for over an entire year through the intense school board meetings, where racial tensions erupted month after month as local supremest opposing the policy would show up hailing “go back to where you came from”, throwing up hail Hitler signs, and wearing MAGA regalia filling the the right side of the board room; while ourselves and allies filled the left in 1865 gear, Black Panther, LGBTQIA+1 PRIDE, Stop Asian Hate, and Indigenous Solidarity regalia. Standing firm in our beliefs of antiracism, inclusion, equity, and accessibility for all.
Through it all…we persevered and the Anti-Racism, Equity, & Inclusion Policy was created and adopted by Clark County School District in November of 2021.
https://ccsd.net/district/policies-regulations/pdf/5139_P.pdf
Can you tell us the story behind how you met your business partner?
Akiko Cooks, is the Co-Founder of 1865 No Racism In Schools, organizer, and abolitionist. She works along side me daily as we continue to dismantle systemic racism in our educational system. When March 19th, 2019 happened, Akiko and I did not know each other, neither did our children. But like most mothers, when it came to protecting our children we banned together shoulder to shoulder, heel to toe and we fought back. While growing closer and closer, two strangers with very different backgrounds came together for justice. As we endured such traumatic times, we became each others strength. Be it strategizing, networking, planning, or crying. Akiko and I have become soul sisters in this fight! Bound together in movement and social justice. 
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.noracisminschools.org/our-mission
- Instagram: @NoRacismInSchools1865
- Facebook: @NoRacismInSchools1865
- Twitter: @NoRacismInSchools1865