A Memorable Last

For three years I have served on the Equity Advisory Board for my local school district. When I started, I was enthusiastic, anxious to be at the table, making a tangible difference in the lives of the youth in my community. Our first meeting gave me goosebumps. Hearing teachers and administrators say the words I'd been wanting to hear; speaking about the importance of doing the hard work of breaking down barriers to excellence for all of the students- it was euphoric. It was the inaugural meeting of such a board, as the school district was finally at the point where they were ready to embark on their deep equity initiative journey. The Director of Equity that they'd hired, an amazing, warm, intelligent, knowledgeable woman from Sierra Leon with a PHD and passion had become my immediate sister friend from the moment we met some time before our first meeting. I knew that she had a heart for the mental, emotional and physical wellbeing of children. She knew that she was up for the challenge, getting hundreds of teachers and staff to understand and acknowledge the important role their own ignorance and biases play in either empowering or traumatizing the children that they are entrusted with. We were all ready to work hard.

For three years we met regularly and did our duty to keep the school district accountable for the promises that it made. I made it very clear every chance that I got that the pushback from selfish and willfully ignorant community members, including parents, should not cause the district to stop letting facts lead. I wanted them to know that they need to always prioritize the discomfort and needs of the children over those of adults who simply didn't want to grow.

In May, for the first time in a year, we met in person again. It was actually our last session of the school year. I announced at that time that I would be resigning from the board as I was leaving the country. I know that the board members could see my increasing disgust in our community's negative responses to any efforts to bring equity and inclusion to education and all of the children and families who have been harmed by it despite our best efforts. I know that the board knew that while I acknowledge all of the good that our director of equity was able to accomplish in those three years and all of the teachers who grew perspective and a commitment to doing better for all of their students, that I was frustrated about the impotence that also existed in the effort toward progress and my dissatisfaction with the snails pace that our state and our country was determined to move when it comes to equity.

While many of them were surprised, I did not need to list to them the reasons why I was leaving. They all graciously wished me well and thanked me for my insight and my unapologetic truth telling. I encouraged them to stay strong and to let the voices of marginalized children be the loudest in their ears.

This year has consisted of various 'lasts'. This one was memorable. I intend to get involved in whichever community I become a part of. There is always a need for championing those whose voices that are not listened to enough. My goal once I move to New Zealand is to first open my ears and my eyes and close my mouth. I want to understand the culture of this new country and educate myself about its history and its present. I intend on getting my sea legs and then identifying where I can best serve.

My intention is to do all that I can do to help New Zealand maintain all of the reasons why I and many others have sought refuge there.