The Counter Story

The following videos are part of a series in EquityMatters!, a monthly newsletter by the MCPS Equity Initiatives Unit. The series features the voices of our students, families, and staff who are often marginalized in the media, curriculum, and our classrooms. Counterstories help us to interrupt our explicit and implicit biases.

These videos provide opportunities to bring in voices that may not always be heard. They can be used as activators for staff or planning meetings, or to use with students. As you listen, think about your reactions:

  • How is the video making you feel? Why?

  • What questions come up for you as you listen? What do you want to learn more about?

  • Is there something that we should do differently based on the perspectives and experiences in these videos?

April 2021

Features the voices of Arab American students and staff to honor Arab American Heritage Month.







March 2021

To honor Women's History Month, these videos highlight the leadership skills and intersectionality of women and girls in MCPS. Start with our colleague Marya Hay's introduction and then click in the staff and students below.

Pia Morrison, President SEIU Local 500

This clip from a longer interview. Click here for the full interview.

Tiferet Ani, Tiferet Ani, Social Studies Specialist in the Office of Curriculum and Instructional Programs

Julia Guillen Williams, Pupil Personnel Worker in the Office of Student and Family Support and Engagement

This clip from a longer interview. Click here for the full interview.

Michele McNeal, Restorative Justice Coordinator at Strathmore Elementary School

Anika Seth is a student at Montgomery Blair High School


Esther Dzinedza is a student at A. Mario Loiederman Middle School


Samantha Linares is a student at Albert Einstein High School




Piper Young is a student at A. Mario Loiederman Middle School


Timaya Pulliam is a student at Sherwood High School

Assetou Kante is a student at Montgomery Blair High School

Carissa Montier is a student at A. Mario Loiederman Middle School


Neha Narayan is a student at A. Mario Loiederman Middle School

Amari Mbongwo is a student at Albert Einstein High School

Adji Keinde is a student at Damascus High School

February 2021

Features videos from students who participated in the Black Student Voices forum organized by the Equity Initiatives Unit and the Office of Student, Family, and School Services.







January 2021

Features videos from Latino students who participated in a program organized by PODER Educators and the Equity Initiatives Unit.