The Second Line Blog

A Message to the Young Girls Who Sit in Our Classrooms

By David McGuire

Every day as educators, we have the opportunity to make a lasting impression on our students. We stand at the front of the room and we teach, but at the same time, we hope to inspire. We hope our students’ dreams come true. It is our mission provide them with the roadmap to their destination. As a male educator, I look at the young ladies in my classroom and try to be the male figure that many of them do not have. It is my hope they see the greatness that I see in them. I say to my queens:

This is your time. No more do you have to wait. Take hold of your destiny and do not let anyone tell you to wait your turn. You have waited your turn long enough. Go after all your dreams unapologetically.

In case my words do not resonate, read the words of these strong female educators.

Ashley Beverly, 4th Grade Teacher at Avondale Meadows Academy

You are magical! Whether your melanin falls on the lighter or darker complexion on the spectrum, may you never allow anyone to think one is less than. May you ALWAYS remember your pose, smile, and manner and intelligence is in all of your blackness. May you find joy and comfort in uplifting other young ladies as much as you do uplifting yourself. Remember you are strong but your tears are there to release the pain to welcome healing. You ARE magical because of your unique hair, style, and grace. Be the best you can be EVERYDAY.

Juanita Price, Kindergarten Teacher at Tindley Summit Academy

What I wish my students knew, especially young, Black girls … we are already behind. We are already counted out. Don’t allow yourself to fit into the statistics. Be bold and courageous; work that much harder to be seen and heard.  Use your loud speaking voice. I can see you as a CEO, taking over boardrooms and hospitals, as jury and judge, and as leaders of STEM-focusedcareers. You are the future! Live out your dreams because as long as you believe in yourself you can be whatever you want to be. This coming from a young woman breaking the mold.

Orleta Holmes, Indianapolis K-12 Administrator

Dear beauties,

Don’t be afraid to speak your voice. Your strength, talent, innovation, and creativity are necessary for the world we live in. I challenge you to challenge, ask questions, hold others accountable, and be the change you seek. My beauties, never let your light be dimmed by others… Simply shine!

Keana Washington, Educator for Indianapolis Public School

Dear Queens,

Yes, you are a queen and you come from a long lineage of warriors. These warriors are women who were told that their goals were impossible; despite the haters, they persevered and so should you. You aren’t any different from those women. You can do all things. Do not allow haters to discourage you; allow them to motivate them. Do not allow your current circumstances to define you. Your current situation is not your final destination. Your strength is unmatched. Believe in yourself, be disciplined, and be intentional. Most importantly love yourself and encourage yourself. Realize that you have the power to speak positivity into every area of yourself. Be kind to yourself and work, plan, build, and dream.

Nigena Livingston, Founder of Urban ACT Academy

Dear Rising Young Woman,

Your destiny is waiting for you.  Be bold, courageous, and unapologetic when you bring your unique gifts and talents forward in this world. Your inner light is strong and rare. Hold your head up high and only look back at the past to learn from it and understand fully how far you have come.  You have everything you need to succeed in your journey forward.  I know this because deep within, you are good, wise, and powerful.  Go forth in this world, shine your light, and continue to be great!

Ashley Ford, Special Education Teacher at Northwest High School

Young Queen,

Regardless of your biology, geography, and financial situation, you are amazing! You have the divine right to become whomever you choose to be. Do not look to the ‘world’ for assurance or acceptance. All of that is relative. Be encouraged! You will have days where it may look bleak and you are unsure of the next step. Be encouraged! Yes, you will have heartache and disappointment, but do not let that bad moment become a permanent resting location. Use that as a mechanism of change. For most, failure or the potential of failing is a method to do better. Uplift your fellow queens. We need each other. We are not in competition with one another. Use each other as a resource. We can learn from our mistakes and celebrate our victories as one. Stay the course, and be encouraged! I believe in you. We ALL believe in you. Prove us right!

Katrina Overby, Indiana Doctoral Candidate/Adjunct Instructor

Be courageous and bold in your thoughts and actions. Be the you that you are when no one else is watching because it is your truest self. Do not dim your light, shine bright and find your voice, even if yours is in opposition to the majority. Your thoughts, perspectives, and experiences are valuable, important, and necessary. You are an important factor to the success of those around you who have the opportunity to be in the classroom with you. You are your own competition, not others around you. World-renowned poet Nikki Giovanni once said, “Deal with yourself as an individual worthy of respect, and make everyone else deal with you the same way.” Do this and you will be successful and fierce. Last but not least, when you are in my class… I hear you. I respect you. I see you.

Sylvia Denice, 4th Grade Teacher at Crooked Creek Elementary

I have always believed that only those who can handle it are chosen to be girls. Being a girl is not easy, and it gives you this beautiful, unique strength that only girls can have. As girls, we are called to believe in our greatness, even when others don’t. We are called to notice greatness in the girls around us, and to empower them to be their amazing selves. We cannot afford to tear down our fellow girls. Look for greatness in all girls. Support, encourage,and build them up. Tell them about the greatness you see in them. You are so good. Don’t let anyone convince you otherwise; and if they try, you send them to me. I see greatness in you every day.

Shawnta S. Barnes, 9th/10th Grade E/LA Multi-Classroom Leader at Crispus Attucks High School

Life can be tough.  You need to know this up front and many of you may already know this, but don’t be discouraged.  Find your path and follow it to your dreams. As you continue on your life’s journey join in and support other women and allow other women to support you.  We are in this together.

Chrystal Westerhaus, Founding Principal of Avondale Meadows Middle School

Lady Scholars,

What I hope to see out of each of you is hunger, grit, and advocacy.  You must have goals and you must attack those goals like you are starving for their nourishment.  You must have grit because the moment you start to attack your goals, you will face some adversity and you will need strength to be victorious.  Lastly, once you make your mark, advocate for those who are just starting to set their goals.  Give back to others and show up for others.

Diamond Malone, 4th Grade Teacher at Crooked Creek Elementary

You are powerful. You have a platform and voice to make a difference in this world. Society sometimes attempts to diminish our value by making us feel ashamed or inferior for being a girl. It is important for you to remember that girls have been shaking things up for the better since the beginning of time. As girls, we are the movers and shakers that help shape the destiny of civilization. Continue to dream big, work hard, be better, and do more to make a dent in the world. Leave a positive and indelible footprint with every step you take. Smile, stand tall and proud with your head held high. Be proud to be YOU. Being you is enough. You are exactly what this world needs.

Note:  Quotes were edited for clarity.

Marcio Donaldson

By Gary Hardie

I love when I find inspiration in unexpected places as I go through my day. Yesterday, I watched a video that moved me to tears and put education and leadership in perspective for me. If you haven’t seen Marcio Donaldson’s American Idol audition, you can watch it here.

Often, life gives us a set of circumstances we did not choose. Our goal is to make the most of what we are given. Whether or not those circumstances are helpful or harmful depends on our perspective on struggle and our grit or resilience. Growing up in underserved communities affords young people incredible willpower in the face of adversity. Specifically, young people who fall victim to generational curses like drug addiction often find themselves at a crossroads when confronted with some of the same temptations that plagued prior generations.

Marcio Donaldson grew up in Compton, California. He lived there with his mother and sister until he was thrust into the system as a foster child when his mother’s drug addiction tore his family apart. He and his sister struggled, but reached adulthood. But like his mother, his sister also suffered from drug addiction. Six months ago, his sister gave birth to his nephew. When she could not care for him, Marcio made a tough decision as police and social workers showed up at his home with a week-old baby. He decided to adopt his nephew for one simple reason; he did not want him to go through what he went through when he was placed in the system as a foster child.

He said, “I don’t want him to go through what I went through.” What would happen if more of us met the barriers and obstacles young people face in and outside of school with that type of conviction? Like Marcio, we can all adopt the children in our care. If not, in the literal sense, as educators and leaders, we can adopt the hopes and dreams of young people and serve as adoptive parents who are committed to ensuring young people don’t suffer through what we did.

Marcio’s story and audition are amazing, and I will be rooting for the hometown hero on American Idol and in his new role as an adoptive parent.

Janet Collins:She’s A Dancing Machine

Opening doors and blazing trails that enabled others to benefit from her dedication, Ms. Janet Collins deserves a wealth of our gratitude. Her unwavering commitment to dance, placed many who came after her on their feet. A ballet dancer, choreographer, and teacher of dance, Ms. Janet Collins was a ballet pioneer of her time. She appeared on Broadway as well as in films and on television. Rejection inspired her. Prejudice and bigotry spurred her own. We celebrate Ms. Janet Collins for her professional endurance and for the opportunity that her ballerina endeavors provided. Your history is our history Ms. Collins and we are forever grateful to you for your fierce actions and steadfast accomplishments. 

Two-Year Old Girl Has “Dance Party” with Michelle Obama after Photo Goes Viral

By Erica Copeland

A two-year old toddler made headlines last month when a photograph of her gazing transfixed at the portrait of former First Lady Michelle Obama in Smithsonian’s National Portrait Gallery went viral.

Days later, Michelle Obama would invite the young tot, Parker Curry, and her mother Jessica Curry to her office in Washington D.C. to meet.

What was originally supposed to be a simple cordial meeting turned into a dance party where both Mrs. Obama and Parker showed off their dance moves.

That video too went viral.

44-year old artist Amy Sherald painted the six-by-five-foot portrait that transfixed Parker Curry. On February 12th, Sherald revealed her now famous portraiture. Michelle Obama commissioned the relatively obscure Baltimore native to create the painting that has introduced a new artistic style among presidential portraits in a grayscale veil that memorializes the former First Lady.

For both women, the portrait offers both a chance for reflection and celebration in triumph over the struggles they have overcome.

For Obama, this unveiling marked a happy end to her era as the first African-American First Lady of the United States. The painting celebrates her strength, grace, intelligence, and beauty and outshines the critical remarks she endured by media detractors during her tenure as First Lady.

For Sherard, the journey to national prominence meant overcoming serious health conditions that required a heart transplant, deaths in the family, and the economic woes of a struggling artist.

Their persistence has paid off. They are now role models for young girls like Parker Curry who may not even fully grasp the significance of this moment, but who still feel proud to see women of color achieving excellence.

Parker’s mother – Jessica – who deserves praise for instilling in her daughter an appreciation for the art and culture found in museums said during an interview on March 6th with CNN’s Don Lemon that “She knows Michelle is married, but she doesn’t really know that it’s to Barack. And she doesn’t know that Barack is our former president.”

But Parker knows that the Mrs. Obama can throw down on the dance floor. According to her mom, she actually discovered Michelle when she saw her dancing on the Ellen DeGeneres Show.

Now, Parker believes that Michelle Obama is queen. And she wants to grow up to be just like Mrs. Obama.

When Don Lemon asked Parker, “What do you want to be when you grow up?” she answered, “I want to be a queen.”

Parker’s awe-struck reaction to the former First Lady is reminiscent of Jacob Philadelphia, 6, who became famous in the iconic 2009 photo where he touched the hair of a bending former President Barack Obama.

Parker joins a list of young children that have captured the hearts of public through their candid reactions of awe and admiration for some of our country’s most influential people.

 

How to Teach and Practice Intersectionality

 

For Women’s History Month the word “intersectionality” comes to mind along with the myriad of signs I’ve seen at recent demonstrations. At the Women’s March in 2017 in Washington D.C., I saw numerous brightly decorated signs that demanded “intersectional feminism.” This past January in New Orleans, I saw one that read, “Feminism without intersectionality is not feminism.” But I’m also afraid this is simply a catch phrase for many people. I wonder how we might go beyond symbolism, to truly begin understanding something as complicated as intersectionality. Because if we don’t understand the concept, then we can’t use it as it is intended to be used: as a practical tool. We should be using a framework of intersectionality whenever we analyze history, when we look at statistics, and even when we are relating to one another in a room. Thus, one can see that it’s especially important for teachers to understand so that we begin teaching children from an intersectional lens.

Kimberle Crenshaw coined the term intersectionality thirty years ago. Essentially, intersectionality is the recognition of the interconnected nature of multiple identities that create overlapping and interdependent systems of discrimination, disadvantage, oppression, and privilege. It is a relationship between identity and power.  It’s also important to understand how Crenshaw developed the concept of intersectionality in order to understand the definition itself.

As a young law professor, Crenshaw was reading about a case where a woman wanted to file an employment discrimination case against her employer.  This woman, a Black woman, noticed her employer was not hiring Black women for certain jobs in the company. The court denied her claim saying this would be like double dipping into two class action suits. She had to choose one, either a case based on race or gender. But the claim couldn’t stand on its own when separated because there were both Black men and White women being hired. What the court was not seeing was how one woman’s body, both Black and female, was situated at the intersection of these two collectives, each of which had different forms of discrimination. Crenshaw, both a critical race theorist and attorney, recognized this and coined the term.

Yet this intersection, or “intersectionality” of being both a woman and a woman of color is often ignored in many analyses and history. The discussion often centers around Black and White or Male and Female, and as a result, the impact of being part of these two marginalized groups isn’t fully recognized. But when this information is available, we see the impact. For example, looking at wage gaps, we clearly see intersectionality at play. As a whole, White women earn more than Black men. But White men, as well as Black and Hispanic men earn more than Black women. Hispanic women earn the least.

When we teach from an intersectional lens, it is also important to avoid the pyramid of oppression, or oppression Olympics, where we compare the suffering of different marginalized identities. Instead, we must practice non-dualistic thinking, recognizing that groups experience different forms of racialization, oppression, and discrimination without trying to compare experiences or create a hierarchy of suffering. For a person of color who is closer to concepts of whiteness, it is also important to not use intersectionality as a means to distance oneself from privileges gained by being closer to whiteness. In an intersectional analysis, we have to acknowledge the deeply rooted nature of anti-Blackness, especially on a global scale.

Most important, we have to practice this way of thinking, to use this information as a practical tool.  In groups, I often see an intersectional dynamic play out. White men speak first, and then White women or Black men, and women of color are the last to speak.  Without awareness of this, we will continue to perpetuate the dynamic. On the contrary, if we begin to notice the dynamic, we can begin to change it. Educators can begin to use an intersectional framework to teach history and to review statistics to build this habit until it is second nature. Organizational leaders can look at their work from an intersectional lens to ensure that the needs of females of color are specifically addressed.  When reviewing history, one must think about how women of color were and are impacted. In statistical analyses of race, such as in education, housing, and unemployment, we must look for and demand a gender analysis as well. We must incorporate an intersectional framework into our thinking and acting so that we are not just talking about intersectionality or holding up a sign with the word. We must practice intersectionality.

Local Leader: Beverly Stanton McKenna

By Danielle Wright

“If I didn’t define myself for myself, I would be crunched into other people’s fantasies for me and eaten alive.” – Audre Lorde

Although racial and gender disparities in the field of journalism caused Beverly McKenna to change her intended college major from Journalism to English, she never gave up on her dream of utilizing journalism as a tool to elevate the voices of African-Americans and document the accurate contributions of African-Americans to the culture and progression of this country.

Nearly 33 years ago, in 1985, Beverly McKenna along with her husband Dr. Dwight McKenna, Kermit Thomas, and James Borders, founded a monthly newsmagazine, The New Orleans Tribune. Today, Beverly McKenna currently serves as publisher and executive editor of the publication.

The history of The New Orleans Tribune dates to circa 1864, when it was founded by Dr. Louis Charles Roundanez. It was the first black daily newspaper in the United States. The publication maintained an unwavering dedication to social justice and civil rights. Since the inception of the modern Tribune in 1985, Beverly Mckenna has carried out the legacy of Dr. Louis Charles Roundanez through the publication’s relentless dedication to depicting the lived experiences of African-Americans through their own voice.

Beverly’s commitment to documenting and preserving the art, culture, and history of African-Americans extends beyond her work with the The New Orleans Tribune. She is also the founder of Le Musée de f.p.c., a historic house museum, dedicated exclusively to preserving the material culture of free people of color and telling their story.

Ms. McKenna is the first person of color to own this Greek Revival residence located in the Upper Treme neighborhood of New Orleans. The museum is revolutionizing the way that free people of color are depicted, expanding the historical schema beyond the placage system of white men’s relationships with mixed race women. Le Musee de f.p.c. elevates the stories of free people of color as successful entrepreneurs, craftsman, artisans, property owners, innovators, revolutionary thinkers, and political and community leaders. Le Musee offers private, group, and school tours. The venue also hosts art exhibitions, cultural and wellness events, weddings, and other special events.

Beverly McKenna has always believed in the economic power of African-American entrepreneurship and the African-American consumer market. Working to advance equitable economic opportunities for black businesses, she created a directory of black businesses called the New Orleans Black Book, available in both print and as an app.

Beverly is also leading the creation of an ecosystem for black entrepreneurship that seeks to create more equitable opportunities for African-American seasoned and novice entrepreneurs in the City of New Orleans. Located on the historic Bayou Road, it is a corridor for the resurgence of black owned businesses in one of the city’s oldest thoroughfares that once served as an illumination of inspiration for free people of color in the 1800’s. The corridor is comprised of African-American owned business in the areas of retail, food and beverage, entertainment, and beauty and grooming. The corridor also includes a wellness center which offers yoga classes, mindfulness meditation groups, and counseling services.  

Ms. McKenna’s contributions to preserving and advancing the historical legacy of African-Americans in this city are remarkable. She continues to break racial and gender barriers, and as she continues to break those barriers, she reaches back to create pathways for generations coming behind her.  We salute her during Women’s History Month and thank her for her efforts.

Betsy DeVos’ White Privilege Is Hurting Us

Born into wealth

Married to wealth

It’s no secret that both whiteness and wealth provide entitlement and accessibility far greater than that which is available to others.

There likely hasn’t been anything that Betsy DeVos hasn’t been able to acquire or do during her lifetime as a result of her white privilege and wealth.

An advocate for school choice.

A major financial contributor to the Republican Party.

A successful business woman.

But, oh Betsy, you are doing a tragic job of serving as U.S. Secretary of Education.

There hasn’t been a singular, positive moment of public exposure for you.

From your questionable nomination, to your awkward confirmation hearing, and school visits and commencement speeches met with protests and retweets, opposers have made it very clear that they are not buying your limited expertise in education policies.

DeVos responded to her critics by appearing in an interview on 60 Minutes that demonstrated both poor preparation and shaky execution of improving the quality of education for students who need it most.

And although we seriously are not surprised by her sheer lack of effort and delivery of responses that make us cringe, if you can’t actually be effective in your role through course of action, can you at least do a good job of lying to us?

I mean, the questions that were asked weren’t even very complicated.

DeVos doesn’t even intellectually articulate false promises like most politicians are often known to do.

She just flat out either stuttered or said pure foolishness.

When questioned by 60 Minutes interviewer, Leslie Stahl about her stance on teachers possessing guns in school, DeVos responded:

“That should be an option for states and communities to consider. And I hesitate to think of, like, my first-grade teacher, Mrs. Zorhoff — I couldn’t ever imagine her having a gun and being trained in that way. But for those who are, who are capable, this is one solution that can and should be considered. But no one size fits all. Every state and every community is going to address this issue in a different way.”

She has a pattern of straddling the fence and throwing decisions onto the “states” rather than having a firm position on matters.

Stifled by contradiction and sheer incompetence, as both a parent and school staff member, I am afraid for my son and all students.

And angry because she is able to do this all because of her white privilege.

Time and time again, DeVos proves her critics right.

She is not suitable to serve as a leader for a country’s education system that has been attacked for its performance for decades.

I can’t help but think about the white privilege that carries DeVos through these outwardly painful moments.  Having a background of wealth and power, DeVos has likely not been challenged or felt inferior.

DeVos likely sleeps very comfortably at night, not plagued by the grief casted on citizens who are advocates for quality education because I’m unconvinced she engages in much self-reflection based on her response to Stahl’s inquiry regarding why she(DeVos) is the most “hated Cabinet secretary”

DEVOS: I’m not so sure exactly how that happened. But I think there are a lot of really powerful forces allied against change.

STAHL: Does it hurt?

DEVOS: Sometimes it does. Sometimes it does. Again, I think — I think —

STAHL: Do you ever say —

DEVOS:  — I’m more misunderstood than anything.

And this is no disrespect to anyone who has worked tirelessly to acquire a comfortable lifestyle to provide for and support their families; however, as a leader of a system that has a history of perpetuating the marginalization of minorities, you need to get down and dirty about what is REALLY going on.

Furthermore, you need to implement actual solutions and not just emphasize that they are needed.

DeVos is a perfect display of the shield from reality white privilege allows.

And unfortunately, it is our schools and students who need the most support who will continue to suffer most as DeVos displayed no urgency about getting a closer look into these schools:

STAHL: Have you seen the really bad schools? Maybe try to figure out what they’re doing?

DEVOS: I have not — I have not — I have not intentionally visited schools that are underperforming.

STAHL: Maybe you should.

DEVOS: Maybe I should. Yes.

Yes, Betsy, you should…

 

An Informed Student is a Powerful Student

Schools all over the country took time away from academics to prepare and execute a 17 Minute National Walkout to honor the lives of the 17 students and staff members whose lives were taken during the February 14 mass shooting that took place at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Ft. Lauderdale.

Conversations on the country’s gun laws lead the dialogue each time there is a mass shooting; and yet, no real change has been implemented to combat the violence guns help create.  Instead, the 45th President of the United States and the Secretary of Education think it’s helpful to have teachers carry guns instead.

You know, fight fire with fire.

In response, schools are peacefully protesting gun violence in opposition of the National Rifle Association’s refusal to make changes and Trump’s distasteful idea of arming teachers.  

Black people in this country already have to deal with police officers who continue to have prejudices and deadly responses to young black men and women.  What do you think will happen across the country with teachers who are licensed to carry?

The very same thing.

Stress and racial incongruencies will simply lead to murder.  There is no rational explanation for this. It’s just a tit-for-tat that is unsafe and simply insane.  But if there’s ever any beauty in a tragedy like this, it is that somehow and some way, individuals are able to find unity in adversity.

Abramson Sci Academy demonstrated this beautifully as students gathered in the school’s back field, braving cold temperatures to stand together.  Some created signs. Some recited poems. Some likely didn’t even understand why they were engaging in the walkout, but they still participated, nonetheless.

Even more beautiful was seeing students of the school’s Essential Skills program (a specialized educational program the school provides to address the intense physical, educational and emotional needs of students living with pervasive mental and physical disabilities) be a part of this protest.  The Essential Skills teachers could have easily chosen to keep the students inside and voted against pushing non-electrical wheelchairs through dirt and grass to get their students there, but they didn’t. Instead, they made sure all students had the same exposure, ensuring no one was left behind.

I could see passion and fire in the eyes of the students who were older and were comfortable and confident in using their voices to speak out.  I could see hurt in the eyes of those who have been exposed to gun violence within their communities. Apathy from those who remain playful and unable to connect the seriousness of it all, ut even from the different backgrounds and experiences, they stood together.  Peers challenging one another to pay attention. Peers teaching one another powerful sentences to chant. Peers helping one another create signs illustrating opposition to gun violence. Adults staring in amazing because in this moment, this is truly what education is about.

It’s more than arithmetic.  It’s more than a GPA. It’s about instilling appropriate decision-making, problem-solving skills and discipline to make a change in their communities and in-turn, the world.  It’s about ensuring they are informed about policies, the law, their rights, and ways in which they can make changes they believe will be beneficial to them. It’s about allowing them to be creative and make mistakes, all the while supporting them and letting them lead the way.

We can’t live in fear that they will fail.  We can’t live in fear that others and systems will fail them.  And this student-led protest was a shining example of the success and empowerment that can occur when we don’t only focus on academic content, but also teach our youth that they too, do have the power.

My plea to everyone who took part in yesterday’s walkout is to keep marching. Keep shouting. Keep voicing your opinion. It’s working. They are hearing us. This is not the time to get tired or give up. We have to keep up the good fight and one day we will prevail!