6/4/2020 7:39 pm Good Evening Page Community, This week I felt compelled to stop and reflect on the unrest that has managed to wedge its way into our new normal of COVID-19. In a recent meeting with some staff members, we had courageous conversations about the ongoing protest, civil unrest, and racist actions of police officers on African American men, women, and boys. During the discussion I reflected on my emotions and reaction to the “8 minute and 46 second” video of George Floyd. I could not believe what I was watching. This was not an action movie or an episode of a TV show, this was REAL. How could this be possible? There was video, there were cameras, and there were other police officers. I also shared in the meeting that each day I take a break from social media, because the news broadcast and comments are taking a toll on me. During this time I reflect on the impact these events may be having on my daughter, specific Page students, families, and staff members. Each year the staff has professional development trainings on race and equity. We know that conversations about race are not finite and our work to bring about real change, justice, and equality will never end. So I asked the staff this week to think about race and ask yourself: What are YOU doing? Are YOU doing enough? If not, what are YOU going to do about it? What can YOU do differently? What guidance and support can we give You? So Page families, what are you going to do differently and what happens now? If we were in school, we might have lessons or have Mrs. I speak to students about their feelings or even have a class circle or meeting. However COVID-19 has kept us from embracing our students and allowing them to share their feelings or ask questions about the events they might have witnessed on t.v., on the computer or even in person. Zoom just does not seem to be the best platform to support our families the way we want to. With that said, some Page families may feel that they are the best person(s) to have these conversations with your child or children. To support you in that effort, if needed, here is a link of resources that may help you have discussions with your children about race and equity. If additional support is needed or your child needs to speak to Mrs. I, please send her an email. Below please find messages from both the William Tyler Page PTA Parent Advocacy Chair, Robyn Ivy, and the Montgomery County NAACP. Stay Safe, Healthy, and Aware!! Ms. Brown A MESSAGE FROM ROBYN IVY, WT PAGE PTA PARENT ADVOCACY CHAIR
Dear Page Community, As the Advocacy Chair and the NAACP Parent Council Representative for Page Elementary, it is with a heavy heart that I write this note to address the murder of George Floyd by a Minnesota Police Officer and the impact it has had on each of us within the Page community and around the world. I am outraged by this murder and that of other victims of law enforcement. It is imperative to have conversations with our children about systemic racism, injustice and violence against people of color, but to also acknowledge the role each and every one of us has in our pursuit of change, locally and nationwide. The Chair of the NAACP Parent Council of Montgomery County, Byron Johns, released a statement (below) that I feel speaks to the level of raw emotion many of us are feeling at this moment. Take care of yourselves, your family, and your community. ~Robyn Ivy NATIONAL ASSOCIATION FOR THE ADVANCEMENT OF COLORED PEOPLE MONTGOMERY COUNTY MARYLAND BRANCH BOX 2165 ROCKVILLE, MD 20847-2165 NAACP Montgomery County Maryland Branch Education Committee & Parents Council All, The NAACP-MC Parents’ Council cannot find the words to adequately express the grief and sorrow for the horrific murder of George Floyd at the hands of police. His death before our eyes was the latest tragic act of violence perpetuated for far too long and against far too many people. While the murder of Mr. Floyd, and the subsequent lack of full accountability by the police, prosecutors, and judicial system, is flaming our anger and outrage, we cannot focus on this one egregious act. It is not an isolated incident; it’s a continuum of cases and situations for decades as part of continuing injustice and inequality in America. Remember the names of other victims: Rodney King, Abner Louima, Amadou Diallo, Shawn Bell, Oscar Grant, Eric Garner, John Crawford, Mike Brown, Laquan McDonald, Philando Castile, Walter Scott, Botham Jean, Stephon Clark, Sandra Bland, Tamir Rice, Alton Sterling Freddie Gray, Antwon Rose, Ahmad Arbury, Breonna Taylor, and too many others. On top of the disparities and injustices exposed by the COVID-19 pandemic, which are disproportionately sickening and killing more Black and Brown people, this state sanctioned police mistreatment of black Americans is another continued failing and moral stain on America today. We support the protests we are witnessing across the U.S. that are in direct opposition to the discrimination, racism, bigotry, violence, and subjugation against people of color that has festered in this country for far too long. I know many of us are hurting right now and I too feel anger that this continues to happen to us, however I am hopeful that this could be the turning point in our country seeing not only black people, but people of all colors and generations protesting together to demand justice and change. We need to continue to support each other during these difficult times and continue the work to build a better future. Byron Johns Chair, Education | Parents’ Council NAACP Montgomery County Md MONTGOMERY COUNTY MD BRANCH OF NAACP P.O. BOX 2165 | ROCKVILLE, MD 20847-2165
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