Race, Racism and Bias: One White Man's View
Black lives matter. I would like to recognize the lives of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor and Ahmaud Arbery - only the latest victims in a long line of Black lives lost to structural racism and systemic oppression - by recognizing how we are also part of the problem. And to publicly challenge ourselves to do better, to be brave, in our own work.
Image property of Dr. Darnisa Amante-Jackson, Ed.L.D. (https://digdeepforequity.org/)
The image highlights the ways in which Systemic Racism and White Supremacy/Privilege is a system of structural racism that privileges White people over everyone else. I recognize that, even when not aware of it, I may have been complicit in this culture of oppression that permeates “the water in which we swim.”
(That's another issue in itself: according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, black children aged five to 14 are three times more likely to die from unintentional drowning than their white counterparts.)
Like so many of you, I am disturbed and uneasy at the detestable state of racial injustice in communities all across our country. We must do better. But these recent marches, movements and mass gatherings are expressions of solidarity, while important, feel inadequate. Candid, constructive conversations are long overdue; it is time for action.
As a career educator, I hold a strong belief in the power in a participatory design process which will enable authentic, locally influenced transformation. I also recognize that our education system was intentionally designed to marginalize and suppress Black, Indigenous and People of Color (BIPOC). As part of that recognition, I aim to hold myself accountable by sharing the ways in which complicity shows up in my and my teams work - and in each of us - and identifying opportunities to more fully address racial equity in our work.
In my professional life (like so many others within their organizations), we have been actively grappling with issues of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion for some time. We have made small advances, but they never feel big or fast enough to match our values. We continue our work - as an organization and as individuals - and we pledge to share our progress and struggles as openly as possible. We wish to be part of the solution. To be part of building the future we all need: a racially just future where Black students and families are treated with the respect they deserve.
We have to understand that every advancement is noteworthy and necessary, that black lives must be respected, encouraged and celebrated. Each day we witness people of color tearing down walls toward racial justice, cultural appreciation, real black representation, real black love, real black culture, real black opinions, real black lives, real change — and it all matters.
"O, let my land be a land where Liberty Is crowned with no false patriotic wreath, But opportunity is real, and life is free, Equality is in the air we breathe. There's never been equality for me, Nor freedom in this "homeland of the free."
(excerpt from LET AMERICA BE AMERICA AGAIN by Langston Hughes (1938).
We need to do more, we need to be better and most of all we need to be kind. We need to make the words of Langston Hughes ring true for ALL. "
“I refuse to accept the view that mankind is so tragically bound to the starless midnight of racism and war that the bright daybreak of peace and brotherhood can never become a reality. … I believe that unarmed truth and unconditional love will have the final word.” — Martin Luther King Jr.
I pray one day soon, these words ring true.