Sept. 21, 2022 ASK SYL R.V.R asks: “With a perceived increase in America’s social consciousness and the rise of the Millennial’s “woke” movement, does political correctness hinder honesty in journalism?” RVR: The topic has inched its way into my consciousness, R.V.R. I don’t think it has gotten in the way of me being honest. Not […]
The presidential election next month promises the biggest turnout in a generation, perhaps several generations. But what about Generation Z, with the elder end of that cohort preparing to cast their first vote for a U.S. president? Will they show up? Baby boomer and creative Joan Lipkin is trying to make sure they do. Along with co-producer Ashley L. Tate, she has organized a cadre of fellow artists, most particularly choreographers and dancers, both locally and across the country to inspire college students among others to register and cast a vote.
School leaders are facing increasing pressure to address racial disparities even as they struggle to open schools in the midst of the pandemic. Can they do both?
All I’m asking is, what are you going to do about this? I’m not asking what kind of photo you’re gonna post of your kids protesting, I’m asking what are you going to do for people who don’t look exactly like you.
I’m a big advocate of kids knowing and understanding that they need someone who looks like them. Not necessarily to teach them, but they need someone who they can identify with, that they have the eye contact that we do as black people to say, “I’m here. I get it.”
I was quite a shy high schooler and tried to keep to myself. I now have a stronger voice in saying, “You know what?, Some of those experiences I had were not okay.”
If an individual, group or organization identifies a deficit, we are always willing to listen. But also, for the good of our students and our community, go a step further. Don’t just point out an issue. Lean in to help solve the issue by seeking out resources and support.
The reason why protests are disruptive is because they need to be. If we don’t disrupt, then what are we doing? As far as I’m concerned, people of color are invisible in that school district. Pretty invisible. Diversity Day is about as good as they can get.
It is sometimes difficult to make really well meaning, kind, loving white folks understand why anti-racism is important in a mostly white community.