The current push to remove police from schools hits a nerve among some people, even some of my fellow teachers. When I talk about it, I am frequently asked, “Well, have you ever been assaulted by a student?” Yes, I have, and that’s not the point. Usually, asking the question is a sign of white fragility and defensiveness. Here’s why.…
Tag: Black Lives Matter
Back of the Yards Youth Say “Black Lives Matter”
As the next generation of adults, we know that change starts with us.
Here’s How I Know Black Lives Don’t Really Matter to the Chicago Teachers Union
I do not support a strike by the Chicago Teachers Union. No matter what the union has done, Black students have never been supported. A CTU strike will create additional barriers for them. I’m tired of people using my community as a sacrificial lamb.
No Role Models: The Audacity of Lil Wayne
Earlier today I was watching a Nightline clip in which an interviewer was asking famed rapper, Lil Wayne, about his views on the Black Lives Matter movement. Dwayne Michael Carter, Jr. hasn’t really been known for being “woke” but I was extremely shocked and disappointed to hear his responses to the questions, especially considering the influence he has on youth.…
Michael Jordan Speaks Out Against Gun Violence
The G.O.A.T. has spoken and spoken loudly. Michael Jordan has broken his silence on the shootings of African Americans and the targeting of police and he did it in a big way. Not only has he released a verbal statement, he also made $1M in contributions to the NAACP Legal Defense Fund and the International Association of Chiefs of Police’s…
That Time A White Police Officer Changed My Tire
While perusing the internet this weekend I came across Chicago Suntimes writer, Mary Mitchell’s, article “A Happy Surprise When I Got Pulled Over By a White Cop”, I couldn’t help but to reminisce about my similar experience.
Black Man Arrested By Chicago Police for Standing on Street
Christopher Watts was on a mission to hand out “Kindness Cards” at the Black Lives Matter rally. “I was specifically there to pass out job information and kindness cards. You can see that in the Walgreens bag I was holding on to. It’s something I do regularly. It’s apart of the the Kindness Campaign.”
A Letter to Ed. Reformers: Don’t Ignore Black Lives Matter
It’s the Monday after Thanksgiving, time to get back into the classroom. School leaders everywhere will work hard to get students and staff refocused on the labor of love that is education. But, there will be something significant competing for attention in Chicago schools this Monday. A lot has happened since the last time teachers and students in the city…