Sion Standing in Solidarity

Sion families, 

There are people in our community who are in pain, exhausted, and processing the events of the past weeks in our nation. Racism still exists in the United States and in our Kansas City community. Though we may struggle to find the right words and acknowledge that our efforts will not be perfect, we can lean on Catholic social teaching and the charism of the Congregation of Our Lady of Sion. 

Foundational to the Catholic Church is the dignity of human life for all people, rights and responsibility, and solidarity. I encourage you if you have not done so already, to read the Statement of U.S. Bishops’ President on George Floyd and the Protests in American Cities, 

Racism has been tolerated for far too long in our way of life.

We should not let it be said that George Floyd died for no reason. We should honor the sacrifice of his life by removing racism and hate from our hearts and renewing our commitment to fulfill our nation’s sacred promise — to be a beloved community of life, liberty, and equality for all.

Notre Dame de Sion Schools of Kansas City will continue to strive to be a safe place for all our children, where we not only accept those that may be different - be it race, nationality, or religion - but where our young people learn to have meaningful dialogue to learn from one another and to ultimately find beauty in those differences. 

I have struggled to find my own place in this as the leader of Notre Dame de Sion; I do not know the pain and outrage of people of color in Kansas City and around our nation, but what I can do is stand up for justice, like the history of the Congregation, and choose to elevate the voice of our students of color. To that end, I share with you the words of Kamryn Rogers, a second-generation grade school alumna and senior from the class of 2020.  

Know that our leadership is committed to providing the time, space, and training for our faculty, staff, and students to engage in dialogue and compassionate listening to grow to be an even more inclusive school community. We continue to pray for unity and justice for our city, nation, and world. 

In solidarity, 

Alicia Kotarba 

Education at Sion is based on mutual confidence, simplicity, and respect for the other’s differences; a key aim must be to educate for personal and collective responsibility where Jesus’ words are of primary importance.  - Patricia Watson, nds, Spaces of Dialogue 

Dear Sion Community,

My name is Kamryn Rogers and I am a graduating senior here at Notre Dame de Sion High School. I have been a part of the Sion community since I was three years old and have always been proud to embrace that. During my time at the high school, I was my class president for three years, captain of the basketball team, a track athlete, Vice President of the Social Awareness Club, Co-Editor-in-Chief of the school newspaper, and Student Body President. I am one of few black presidents our school has had, a responsibility I took very seriously.

With all that is going on in America today, it is hard to put all the emotions I am feeling into words. Racism has been around since this country's founding, but as I've matured into a young adult, its magnitude has become more apparent. While I've faced my fair share of microaggressions and aggressions that weren't so small, nothing really compares to observing people of my race murdered for doing nothing more than simply being.

As black people, we work tirelessly every day in avoiding situations where our "being" places us in harm's way. We are told that if we keep our heads down, actively present ourselves as non-threatening, and adhere to societal rules, we will become less of a target in the eyes of White America. However, as shown with the recent deaths of Ahmaud Arbery, Breonna Taylor, and George Floyd, these precautionary measures aren't enough. The only difference between these three deaths and the countless other deaths that came before them is that we now have the opportunity to demand justice for these three individuals. We cannot reverse the damage that has already been done, but what we can all do collectively is demand change now.

Systemic racism exists at every level of society, from educational institutions to healthcare access, socioeconomic circumstances, and our justice systems. If we don't address these constructs, then black people and all people of color will continue to face racism, oppression, and injustice. It is no longer enough to be passively "not racist." Now more than ever, we need active allies.

If you would like to help us in our struggle, I have outlined a few things you can do to help:

Education is Key

We all have the individual responsibility to educate ourselves and our friends and family about racial injustice. Challenge yourselves to have hard conversations. Address your privilege head-on (we all have some privilege, one of which is private education here at Sion). Remember that everyone, including myself, is still learning. We don't know all the answers, but together, we can help find them.

Don't Protest other People's Protest

A revolution has many lanes. Focusing on the various methods people support the BLM movement only detracts from the ultimate goal and message. Be supportive and be productive.

Be an Ally

You can be an ally in many ways. Sign petitions. Email, text, or call local officials. Donate to KC grassroots organizations that are fighting for change. Vote for people who have plans on how to combat police brutality and racial injustice. The possibilities are truly endless.

Support Black Businesses

One of the most actionable ways you can show solidarity is by supporting black-owned businesses, especially during this time of economic instability. This helps to merge the racial wealth gap, strengthen local economies, foster jobs, and celebrates our culture.

I want to conclude this letter by saying this: while we all have our different opinions on controversial issues, at our cores, we should believe in the fundamental truth that we are equal and should be treated as such. We are all human. We all matter. But all lives will not matter until black lives matter. Sion's motto of "empower minds, transform hearts, and impact others" should sit deeply with you all amidst these current events and should urge you all to ignite change. I hope that each of you reflects heavily on what you can do to help in this struggle.

Sincerely,

Kamryn Rogers