Two weeks ago, a group of educators in the Caucus of Working Educators sponsored a Black Lives Matter week in Philadelphia. The initial idea for the action was inspired by Seattle Public School teachers who wore Black Lives Matters shirts in support of their Black and Brown students. An action to lift these students up and to highlight the systemic racism that continues to exist and pervade every aspect of American society.
I want to talk about some of the lessons learned from the week. Lesson #1, not everyone is prepared or ready to face their own privilege and racism. Lesson #2, the voices of the youth are always honest and on point. Lesson #3, studying movements provides the words necessary to change hearts and minds by dealing in truth rather than lies and conjecture. Lesson #4, organized labor unions and school districts continue to battle with the intersection of race and teaching and learning.
Lesson #1
I have been doing this work for a lifetime. Ever since I discovered that my life was not of any value outside of my internal circle. The day I realized that I was treated differently because of the color of my skin. Every time, I have encountered an individual or a group of individuals who believe at their core that their privilege means that they do not have to grow. Who can live and not grow? Folks protected by white privilege. That's who! The fact that they continue to exist confirms the truth that some folks are not ready to face their own privilege and the truth of racism. And as a parent, I have a problem with that kind of person being a teacher at any school.
Lesson #2
I cannot tell you how much I learned from the youth this week. The conversations were rich and robust. Teachers worked with their students and prepared them for some difficult conversations centered on the 13th amendment, mass incarceration, systemic racism, Moonlight, gender labels, LGTBQ power, and suggestions of what we should all be doing in order to be a better society. This week proved that our students are waiting to think critically about themselves and the world that they live in. It proved that school should take more risks and that educators should push themselves and their students into topics that may cause discomfort, but will ultimately end up in purposeful edification.
Lesson #3
It is time to love in truth. Stop crying tears of remorse and shock, Get off of your ass and face the facts about race and the gifts of knowledge embedded in the 13 guiding principles of the Black Lives Matter Movement. Stop worrying about if you think Black Lives should matter, and consider what it says about you if you think that they do not. And then look to what is happening in the White House if you require a more visceral example.
Lesson #4
When it comes to the workforce and the creation of jobs, the strengthening of labor unions is vital. For Black and Brown communities who can often be relegated to low income jobs or at charter schools with minimal job protection/security. When unions stand and spout that Black Lives Matter, what do they mean? Some local progressive unions engage in real work when it comes to communities of color. In fact, in order to adapt to the changing climate of the teaching force, it is important that unions make more democratic decisions and fewer top down ones. It is also important to stretch across the aisle and support other unions and organizations that are working in the very communities that our students reside. This builds trust and relationships that can result in sustainable change. Let's face it, any movement that does not include our children and families at the core is a false one that will not move the needle at all.
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