May 4, 2022

Day 3: Teaching the Next Generation

| CHALLENGE | DAY 1 | DAY 2 | DAY 3 | DAY 4 | DAY 5 | DAY 6 | DAY 7 | DAY 8 | DAY 9 | DAY 10 | DAY 11 | DAY 12 | DAY 13 | DAY 14 | DAY 15 | DAY 16 | DAY 17 | DAY 18 | DAY 19 | DAY 20 | DAY 21 |

Text that reads, "A lie is always more of a threat than the truth, even when the truth is painful. Our children need to understand the painful truth of racism," by Kevin Welner, professor of education at the University of Colorado Boulder and director of the university's National Education Policy Center with black and white background image of protestors.Because of the racism embedded in school curriculum, teachers have moved to update their lesson plans with an anti-racist lens. These resources discuss how teachers have made necessary changes, how students are responding to this richer view of history, and why these conversations are so important to have with children and young people.

Yesterday, we learned about the racial equity resolution Spokane Public Schools passed in 2020. The resolution establishes policies to reduce the disproportionate number of arrests, suspensions, and expulsions on students of color. It also states that the school district will develop a new safety plan to eliminate the ability of any district employee to arrest students.

Adapting a quote from author, speaker, and self-proclaimed internet yeller, Ijeoma Oluo, the resolution says, “We realize that structural racism is built into the bones of our schools, as well as every structure in society; we have to build anti-racism into the bones in order to increase student empowerment, belonging, value, and hope for the future.”

I stop using the “I’m not racist” or “I can’t be racist” defense of denial; I admit the definition of racist (someone who is supporting racist policies or expressing racist ideas); I accept the course of racist ideas I express (my upbringing inside a nation making us racist); I acknowledge the definition of antiracist (someone who is supporting antiracist policies or expressing antiracist ideas); I struggle for antiracist power and policy in my spaces; I struggle to think with antiracist ideas. Not being fooled by misleading statistics or theories that blame people for racial inequity; I struggle to remain at the antiracist intersections where racism is mixed with other bigotries; Reference: Kendi, I. X. (2019). How to Be an Antiracist, New York: One World. CC BY-NC-SA - BCcampus, Book Club Hub, Fall 2021 - Olaolu Adeleye


if you have…



REFLECT


Take a moment to reflect today’s challenge and any insights you experienced.

  • How did this challenge make you feel?
  • What did you learn?
  • What did you notice about yourself after taking the challenge?
  • Consider sharing this new awareness with a friend or group to help deepen your understanding of the information.
  • Continue the conversation online and connect with others by joining our Racial & Social Justice Facebook group.

Let us know why this challenge is important to you by leaving your comment here


Thank you!

We want to thank you for joining us in our Stand Against Racism Challenge! Our work has started and continues every weekday from May 2 – May 30. Each day you will be presented with a few articles, videos, infographics, or podcasts to help you take a deeper dive into the daily topic.

There may be points you disagree with that the editorial team has made – we welcome that! We do ask that you undertake this challenge with an open mind and willingness to explore new ideas and allow yourself to sit with any emotions that may come up for you.

This content may be hard to process so consider having a self-care plan in place beforehand. This can include meditation before or after engaging, watching your favorite show, or doing something creative.

Do not feel any pressure to engage with every piece of content. The time required to complete each challenge and whether it is audio, visual, or interactive are listed upfront so that you can participate in a way that fits your schedule and learning style. We look forward to going on this journey towards true equity and justice with you!


Share each challenge online with #SARChallenge

| CHALLENGE | DAY 1 | DAY 2 | DAY 3 | DAY 4 | DAY 5 | DAY 6 | DAY 7 | DAY 8 | DAY 9 | DAY 10 | DAY 11 | DAY 12 | DAY 13 | DAY 14 | DAY 15 | DAY 16 | DAY 17 | DAY 18 | DAY 19 | DAY 20 | DAY 21 |


Black and white text on orange background that says Invest $21 for 21

Racial Equity work is consistently underfunded. YWCA needs your help to continue to provide high quality programming like our Stand Against Racism Challenge.

Make a $21 investment in your own anti-racist development and challenge yourself to encourage 21 other people to take the challenge and match your $21 investment.

DONATE TODAY

By: Lara Estaris

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