We adamantly declare Black Lives Matter at School.
We are guided by the words of our ancestors who knew what could be and worked to achieve more for their community. In particular, this school year, we focus on Black joy and take to heart the words of James Baldwin. We daringly hold on to the baton passed to us as this work was started long ago, and push toward advancement for those who will come after us, taking the same baton of moving us toward equity.
“If you don't look at it, you can't change it. You've got to look at it.”
We need you to see Black students in their whole authentic selves. Black students have additional roadblocks on their journey. We recognize these roadblocks as systemic and point to a society that has failed. Students deserve Black teachers, support from school counselors, honest Black History, access to Ethnic Studies, an end to zero-tolerance policies, and cops out of their schools. We are committed to uplifting transformative education, cultivating equitable schools, and working alongside those who declare Black Lives Matter at School.
“I speak of change not on the surface but in the depths--change in the sense of renewal.”
Join us in choosing to change harmful circumstances within your school, neighborhood, and community to affirm Black Lives Matter at school. Parents, teachers, students, and community members must be willing to do what is necessary to ensure Black Lives Matter at School. Renew your commitment to confronting anti-Blackness, addressing racial injustice in education, and collectively caring for one another.
“The children are always ours, every single one of them, all over the globe.”
We must not covertly do the work. By advocating for our four demands and elevating the principles, you create support and belonging for future graduates. Let it be known that you are a part of a national movement to ensure that Black Lives Matter at School.