Discover Cidney's journey, her deep roots in Detroit, and her unwavering commitment to the community. Learn about her vision for the Detroit school board and how her experiences will benefit our students.
A daughter of Detroit, dedicated to the community
Cidney is a proud daughter of Detroit, growing up on the west side and graduating from the Detroit School of Arts in 2010. Her life has been dedicated to serving the Black community, a commitment that drives her passion for positive change in her hometown. She believes deeply in the potential of every Detroit student.
Igniting passion through education
Cidney understands that the future of Detroit hinges on the quality education provided to its students. Her commitment to the school board is a form of reparations, ensuring that our most vulnerable students and families are at the core of all efforts. She is passionate about creating equitable educational opportunities for all.
Experienced leadership for our schools
Cidney brings invaluable experience to the school board. As a DPS graduate, a former DPSCD employee, former co-chair of the Detroit Reparations Task Force and a lifelong servant leader, she possesses a deep understanding of our school system. Her work with the Detroit Association of Women's Clubs and her time with DPSCD have equipped her with vital skills to advocate effectively for our pupils and ensure their success.
About Cidney
Cidney Calloway is a social justice advocate and community organizer known for her involvement in the Black Lives Matter movement. Born, raised and rooted in Detroit, Michigan, she developed a strong sense of responsibility towards her community. Cidney's passion for justice and liberation led her to engage in activism and advocate for the Black community. This advocacy work translates directly into her commitment to students and families.
In 2020, Cidney became a vocal abolitionist during the nationwide protests that erupted after the public murder of George Floyd at the hands of police officers. Inspired by the need for systemic change, she actively participated in peaceful protests demanding an end to police brutality and racial injustice. Unfortunately, during one of these peaceful demonstrations, Cidney was arrested for her activism.
Following her arrest, Cidney's dedication to the cause did not waver. Instead, it led her to join forces with the Movement for Black Lives (M4BL), a prominent and influential coalition of organizations advocating for Black liberation and social justice. She was a two-time fellow with M4BL where she played a crucial role in organizing and amplifying the voices of those fighting for racial equality, advocating for the dismantling of systems, and reimagining what safety means in the Black community.
As Cidney continued her journey as an activist and abolitionist, she recognized the importance of education and community empowerment in the fight against systemic injustice. Subsequently, she found her way to the Detroit Public Schools Community District as a Clerical IV for Legacy Academy. During her time at Legacy, she gained first-hand experience with our most challenging students and families. This experience helped solidify her belief that education is a major component to creating the world we all deserve, but it also was integral in her realization that our families and communities need to be centered in every decision-making process.
Currently, Cidney serves as an office manager. In this role, she plays a vital part in ensuring the office’s smooth operation and continues to contribute to the fight for justice and equality in her community through the literacy program that she leads and through her ongoing volunteer work with the Detroit Association of Women's Clubs. Her dedication, resilience, and commitment to uplifting Black voices have made her a respected and influential figure in the ongoing struggle for social change and in creating a more just future for all.
Her experiences as a student, school administrator, and as a professional have not only prepared her for this role, but they have shaped the way she leads her life.
