“Black mothers understand that while we see our children as beautiful, wondrous, capable and worthy, we are preparing them to live in a racist country which refuses to see them this way. Black mothers recognize that while we know the beauty of our sons and the unique gifts that they possess, the world in which we live was not built for them and rejects their presence, their personhood, and their gifts. But the systems don’t stop there; the systems seek to emasculate and annihilate them.”
The Dust of Racism
“So, what is the dust? The dust is the thick residue of white supremacy and legal, racist structures that were intentionally designed to support White people and subjugate Black people. The dust is omnipresent affecting and infecting all of us. It never disappears.”
Rhythms, Routines and Zones
“Once you come up with the schedule, communicate it to your child. Practice the schedule with your child and work out any kinks. Stay flexible.”
Juneteenth…And Now What?
“Juneteenth is an opportunity to create safe spaces that invite respectful and meaningful conversations. It is a microphone for America to confess its corporate sin of slavery, seek forgiveness and do the work of repentance. “
Black Students, White Schools
“It is not enough for Black students to have access to a school building. It is imperative that educators work to understand, embrace and create equitable and inclusive school environments that reflect and represent the experiences of Black students. It is essential to the development and preservation of the souls of Black children that parents, educators and community leaders prioritize helping them thrive in White schools. “
We Need More Racial and Cultural Justice Advocates in Our School Communities
“Advocate in numbers. If your child is experiencing a racially or culturally motivated violations, contact the school leadership to get them addressed as soon as possible and enlist other parents and community members to call about the same issue. When your child is not the direct target, advocate for other students who are experiencing the violation.”
Protest. Pray. Work.
“Once the shock of yet another violent attack settles in and our senses recalibrate, too many of us simply go back to living our lives the same way we were before. It’s almost as if the violence was “BREAKING NEWS,” that temporarily interrupted the regularly scheduled program of our lives and once announcement ends, we go back to business as usual until the next interruption. lives the same way we were before. It’s almost as if the violence was “BREAKING NEWS,” that temporarily interrupted the regularly scheduled program of our lives and once announcement ends, we go back to business as usual until the next interruption. “
The Value of Anti-Racism Education
“It is true that America is becoming browner. Sadly, this reality scares many White people because White people are having this conversation with themselves, “Where do I fit in to these changing demographics? Where do I sit if I am not sitting in the seat of power? I love being the majority. I love making the rules even though they abuse other people. Hmmm, what can I do to hold on to the power that I think I’m supposed to have even if I have to lie AGAIN to get it? What weaklings can I convince that I am telling the truth?”
“I am Sick and Tired”
“I’m sick and tired of being presented with a soiled Band-Aid or no aid at all for the gaping, oozing, stinking wound that is racism in America.”
Equity Works and We Know It
“Educational equity has the potential to give every child access to a quality education regardless of race, ethnicity, socioeconomic background, or zip code. Students, families, communities, and generations thrive when we intentionally create environments that facilitate and expect the succes.”