Trailblazers
Good Tuesday Morning Everyone!
Yesterday, I mentioned that there are ways for you to get involved in some local school board initiatives by lending your voice to the discussions around possibly renaming Thatcher Brook Primary School and Raising the Black Lives Matter Flag on the HUUSD campuses. I hope that you will consider becoming respectfully engaged in this process because your voice matters. Your voice could matter today, but also for lots of tomorrows.
Check out this story about civil rights trailblazers from Wichita, Kansas, and remember what Mr. John Lewis, another civil rights and sit-in participant, said:
It's sometimes hard to understand how our actions now impact our futures, and possibly the lives of others, but it is important to consider. It's important not to pressure yourself to be perfect - to always get it right, but it is important to consider, when you are out in the world, whether your, beliefs, actions, and words, convey the kind of person you want to be. The trailblazers in the above story just wanted to enjoy the same liberties that their white counterparts were afforded. They knew that if they stood up for equality that their efforts could affect others in positive ways in the future. They were thoughtful in their approach - planning, preparing - and stayed peaceful and determined. Their actions conveyed their commitment to equality and justice, and they did it by getting into "good trouble."
There are so many causes, so many needs, so many issues worth standing up for. How will you contribute to the continued improvement of our school, community, and country? Thanks for thinking about how you can be a trailblazer!
In addition to this story, today I wanted to highlight Fredrick Douglass who, along with Abe Lincoln, was mentioned in today's AG video about why we celebrate Black History Month. Carter G. Woodson sandwiched his original celebration of black history between the birthdays of Douglass and Lincoln. Fredrick Douglass was an activist, author, and orator (orator essentially means that he was a "professional" speaker). He regularly stood up in front of crowds to discuss why slavery was wrong and to fight for equality and civil rights. Douglass was an escaped slave who sought to end the practice of the enslavement of his fellow man. Another cool thing about Fredrick Douglas was that his fight for civil rights in the late 1800's also included advocating for the rights of women! His legacy is definitely worth celebrating!
I hope you all enjoy your two days at home! We'll see you back in person on Thursday!
Be Well,
Mrs. Hempey
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