The tragic death of George Floyd in Minneapolis, and the events from across the nation this week, have many feeling angry and stunned. We feel the outrage while grieving for a family. This also serves as a reminder for that which is around us in our own communities. As an educator and father, my thoughts quickly moved to the words of Martin Luther King, Jr.:
“…even though we face the difficulties of today and tomorrow, I still have a dream. It is a dream deeply rooted in the American dream.…I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character.”
Although almost 57 years have passed since that time, we still have so much work to do. Each moment adds to that time and amplifies our duty to move the dream to reality.
When light shines, it exposes everything. West Genesee Schools remain committed to the important conversations of social awareness, acceptance, and celebration of uniqueness that is part of our being stronger together. We must recognize discrimination, inequalities, bias, and remove systemic injustices around us every day. We owe that light to ourselves, to each other, and to our children.
We struggle with our own reactions and are aware that our children respond in many different ways; immediately, across time, and in seemingly disconnected ways. Please reach out to school with questions as we can support you. Our counselors, teachers, and administrators remain committed despite the circumstances of our current pandemic.
The following resource (a Wakelet page) can be found here and has been created and includes articles, videos, stories, and more resources as provided by staff. This page will grow throughout time and may help discussions within homes and classrooms. This is only a new start to the light that we must continue to shine on our diversity and acceptance of each other.
While we seek healing, let us continue to shine a light in areas needed for reflection, growth, and change.
David C. Bills
Superintendent of Schools