Jul 10, 2020 1:04:00 PM
As educators, and also as community members, parents, and learners, the undersigned 2018 Teachers of the Year, rise in solidarity with Black Lives Matter against racism and hate.
We mourn with our students and our colleagues and condemn the violence perpetrated against Black people, Indigenous people, and other people of color (BIPOC) in our communities, which has led to the murders of so many—Ahmaud Arbery, Breonna Taylor, and George Floyd are just three of the names brought to our collective awareness in recent months, but they are only three among at least 18 others who have been murdered since then.
Equally important and worthy of remembering are Tony Dade, Rayshard Brooks, David McAtee, Nina Pop, James Scurlock, Chris Beaty, Dorian Murrell, David Dorn, Italia Kelly, Calvin L. Horton, Jr., Maurice Gordon, Robert Fuller, Dominique Rem’mie Fells, Riah Milton, Malcolm Harsch, Oluwatoyin Salau, Na'kiah Crawford, and the others whose names we may never know.
[pullquote]We reject the systems of oppression, fueled by bigotry, and resulting in injustice, which have perpetuated for generations[/pullquote] and which led to the marginalization and death of so many people in these communities. We reject the notion that this is a political issue. This is a human issue, and as such, central to our profession and our shared humanity.
As educators, we love and serve each student with whom we are entrusted and direct resources and efforts to each based on their needs. Right now, the needs of our Black community members are paramount. The added impact of COVID-19 on communities of color compounded with half a millennia of spirit murdering Black community members demands that we affirm and echo the calls for systemic change.
[pullquote position="right"]Black Lives Matter. Thus, Black Lives Matter at school.[/pullquote] Because of this resolve, we must ensure schools are a place of liberation. We demand the following:
It is time to "show up" to support one another. Through reflection, research, and action, we are renewed in our work to remove systems of oppression and pursue justice. It is our moral obligation and our professional charge.
While these conversations may be uncomfortable, we owe it to our students to engage in them. Without these conversations and intentional action to disrupt systems of oppression, we continue to be complicit in the perpetuation of violence and systemic racism.
We invite educators, parents and community members to rise in solidarity. To listen, learn and to dismantle a system fraught with White supremacy, so that we may build a system that will honor, celebrate, support and uplift each and every student we serve. Let us turn our anger and our sadness into action.
Join us.
With hope, and in solidarity,
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