Don't Cry For Me.
We Are Winning.
I'm over opinion-minded articles not based on the truth that harass independent school progress and tries to undermine my sense of right and wrong, equitable and fair, fact and supremacist fiction.
Let's be clear, I don't subscribe to nor do I actualize victimhood mentality when advocating and grinding for more than white-centered curricula for our scholars. Nor does this work make me or other Black people feel dumb or stupid, but rather on the contrary. Over 400 years of brilliance and resilience demands air time too. No, sir, we are winning.
This long-overdue awakening in our independent schools is due to our powerhouse scholars, parent advocates, organizations, and courageously intentional leadership like Riverdales's head of school, Dominic Randolph.
I know we are winning because the anti-anti-racists are whining. I am not sure what they think they are losing, other than hierarchal supreme positioning. Each student deserves to see themselves in the curricula while expanding their knowledge of others. Above all, they deserve the liberating truth.
We are at a critical juncture with those pushing for curricula that dares to become more inclusive and those who want things 'to be neutral', when that has never been the case, and that is the problem.
With each public backlash, many wonder if heads of independent schools will buckle under the pressure of capitalism or if they will double down with strategic plans for DEIB because it is the right, just, and relevant thing to do. We salute & support strong leadership, like Riverdale Country School’s fearless Dominic Randolph and other heads of school who are courageous enough NOT to be neutral but on the right and just side of history for the next generation of diverse learners.
Listen to how leaders are working for more equitable and inclusive indy school communities with our recent Articulating -An Independent School Podcast guest, Tom Kelly - who leads with conviction at the Horace Mann School.
The articles and below-ground rattlings have been threatening and discomforting dilemmas for many who have persisted and insisted on safer learning environments that illuminate the culture and achievements of marginalized people. This real awakening benefits everyone. Truth is valid and will no longer be kept in the dark to protect misplaced supremacy, thanks to organizations like Pollyanna.
I will not continue to twist myself into a pretzel when a new article arises. It's a trend and in vain. Instead, I will feel empathy for parents who hold on to old tropes and the privileges of hierarchy, exceptionalism, individualism, or anything that threatens the old status quo. It is old, and it is tired. So old, students from the dominant culture are checking their parents on the idea that de-centering whiteness in curriculum shames them and disrespects America.
Changing minds will no longer be my focus. Instead, I will stand steadfast, holding our institutions accountable for addressing policies and practices that historically harm the most marginal in our communities. RIISE will continue to encourage families to boldly inquire about an institution's stance on anti-racist curricula and practices as they explore and enroll in independent schools. Finally, we will align with other organizations that don't mock the hard-won work of scholars, alumni, parent advocates, allies, co-conspirators, and anti-racists in our institutions.
Along with other visionary advocates, we are awake, blazing trails to shift culture. Justice, empathy, honesty are winning, but it has only just begun.