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It’s Time to Feel the Hope and Outrage

Apr 26, 2018 12:00:00 AM

by Tanesha Peeples

I want to start a movement where people of color feel compelled and empowered to advocate for better education. This is why I’ve spent my entire career trying to get people to give a damn. And I’ve noticed one thing always works: outrage. Outrage is when communities rise up in anger when a school closing is announced. Or when parents find out that their child’s grades were changed from failing to passing just to pass them through school. And that’s when everybody becomes an activist. Outrage works for a little while but also burns out quick. Then folks are back to their regularly scheduled programs and distractions until the next moment of pissivity. That’s why we need something more. We need hope. Hope is what drives thoughtful and consistent advocacy, coupled with activism. The stuff that inspires and keeps us pushing for change. Like when you see a group of parents find their voice and organize for better education. And when you see youth taking a stand for their own education. Outrage and hope. We need both. So, every week I’m going to take a moment to share some “Hope and Outrage.” And I ask that you take a moment to share some too. You can share what I wrote, or write your own—the point is we need to stay in the know, share these stories and amplify our voices. We need to remind people that great schools are the key to lifting up our communities and changing the trajectories of so many of our young people. I’m not doing this for my health. I’m not writing this to be famous. I’m doing this because our youth need all of us in this fight. Will you join me? https://educationpost.org/im-feeling-some-hope-and-outrage-here-on-nationalwalkoutday/
Photo courtesy of Tanesha Peeples.

Tanesha Peeples

Tanesha Peeples is driven by one question in her work—“If not me, then who?” As the former Deputy Director of Activist Development for brightbeam, Tanesha merges the worlds of communications and grassroots activism to push for change in the public education system. Her passion for community and relentless mission for justice and liberation drive her in uplifting and amplifying the voices and advocacy of those that are often ignored. Tanesha wholeheartedly believes that education is the foundation for success. Her grand vision is one where everyone—regardless of ethnicity, socioeconomic status, gender or ZIP code—can have access to a comfortable quality of life and enjoy the freedoms and liberties promised to all Americans. And that's what she works towards every day.

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