Equity and Anti-Racism Task Force

Please join the Equity and Anti-Racism conversation at Hyde-Addison by joining us on Konstella, utilizing the resources here and/or participating in the monthly meeting. As parents, teachers and staff, we are interested in doing our part to promote equity and end racism in constructive, supportive ways.

Dr. Shaun Woodley led an incredibly thoughtful conversation with parents at last month's PTA meeting about what we can do as parents to think differently and act differently to support equity and antiracism.

Dr. Woodley shared his reflections on his time as a classroom teacher; moving away from 'controlling the classroom' to 'connecting with the students.' He emphasized the power of relationships - with our children, students and one another. Disconnection is more powerful than we realize. Students need to believe and see that we are on their side.

Following a short video - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bxZBtWGYV1c, Dr. Woodley asked us to consider who belongs - and who doesn't - in a space. Many Hyde parents could relate to the perspective of the Black man in the video - constantly watched, judged and unwelcome. We talked about how we can all play a role in "calling people in" (rather than calling them out) when bringing up mistakes and biases amongst friends, families, and colleagues.

Dr. Woodley challenged us to examine our own behavior. Talking is important but we must model the behavior we want to see. When asking questions about behavior that you're looking to correct or redirect, e.g. "What made you say that about Sam?" Listen and understand first. Emphasize the positive behavior that shows respect and empathy for others, "You helped her out and I saw that."

Please join us for future speakers and other events.

June is Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Queer (LGBTQ) Pride Month. This month celebrates LGBTQ Americans' talent and creativity to create awareness, goodwill and push for change. See this link from the Library of Congress for more historical information https://www.loc.gov/lgbt-pride-month/about/#pride-50th-anniversary

For Pride events in DC https://www.capitalpride.org/celebration/

We also mark Juneteenth, when on June 19, 1865, two and half years after the Emancipation Proclamation, some 2,000 Union troops arrived in Galveston Bay, Texas. The army announced that the more than 250,000 enslaved black people in the state, were free by executive decree. https://nmaahc.si.edu/blog-post/historical-legacy-juneteenth

In DC, the recently reopened National Museum of African American History and Culture is a community space where historical events like Juneteenth are shared and new stories with equal urgency are told. https://nmaahc.si.edu/visit/plan

Talking with your kids about gender - https://mashable.com/article/how-to-talk-to-kids-about-gender/

For more ideas and advice on supporting LGBTQ kids, this website has loads of resources for parents - https://www.mykidisgay.com/

Hyde Addison teachers have compiled a list of their books related to Pride month and Juneteeth. Please click below to see their selections.

Juneteenth for Mazie, by Floyd Cooper. Read by Dory Lerner from the National Civil Rights Museum: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PChQwLbQjcE

It Feels Good to be Yourself, by Theresa Thorn, illustrated by Noah Grigni and read aloud by teacher Kate: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LHhsJHn4vFM

Stella Brings the Family by Miriam B. Schiffer. Read with discussion by Parisa Spitaleri: https://www.pbslearningmedia.org/resource/ll20-stella-brings-the-family-video/lets-learn/

Did your student celebrate any holidays or traditions related to their culture, race or ethnicity? Please share any photos or videos related to your celebrations via email: hyde.addison@k12.dc.gov.

• Pride Month (June 2021)

• Juneteenth (June 19, 2021)

• Father’s Day (June 20, 2021)
  

Disclaimer: The Hyde-Addison ES Equity and Anti-Racism Task Force is an independent group not associated with DCPS and any viewpoints or activities associated with this group are not endorsed by DCPS.