The verdict in the Derek Chauvin trial has undoubtedly impacted us all. Some of us feel pain and grief, others feel release and relief, while some are experiencing a mix of emotions.
The verdict against Derek Chauvin is a point of vindication for many in our society, who live with hurts and fears spawning from injustices against communities of color and the imbalances of power and privilege that have existed in our country for far too long. While the jury’s decision is considered a positive step for some, we must also consider how the trial and, more importantly, the murder of George Floyd, could have been avoided.
In Atlanta Public Schools (APS), we have begun this work through the development of our Center for Equity and Social Justice. We are here for all of our students. We are also advocates for their uniqueness to ensure they each have a place to grow and thrive without fear for their safety, bias against them, or blatantly racist acts.
If we are to be liberated from racial oppression and race-based violence, we must engage in collective action and work together to advance social justice for all. Let us also remember, that as a community, we can marshal change through teaching, learning, critical inquiry, and constructive dialogue.
Most importantly, as educators, we can fulfill our crucial role by working to create engaged citizens, who understand that importance of equity and justice, and who value the importance of these ideals as the hallmarks of pluralism and democracy.
At APS, we remain steadfast in our efforts to advance equity and racial justice. The importance of this work has been amplified in so many of our community conversations across the city, and people are committed to doing the hard work. As we process the outcome of this verdict, let’s continue to work together so that demography is not destiny for our children.
In closing, I want to share information about how we can engage our children in discussions about the outcome of the Chauvin trial.
I strongly encourage parents to engage in discussions with their children, even if they appear to be unaffected. I also recommend that our educators make space in their classrooms for critical dialogues about the trial as well.
In closing, let us not underestimate the importance of this moment and the power of collective action and will. Through our united efforts, we can improve educational outcomes for all of our students, and set a firm foundation for the work that will continue beyond us.
In peace and solidarity,
Tauheedah F. Baker-Jones
Chief Equity & Social Justice Officer
Atlanta Public Schools
Resources for Educators
- Affirming Black Lives in School: Teachers, Administrators, Students
- My Scaffolded Anti-Racist Resources
Resources for Parents & Educators
Talking with Children About Race and Race-Based Violence
· Talking to Young Children About Race and Racism
- George Floyd, Racism and Law Enforcement (in English and en Español) – Anti-Defamation League Table Talk Guide
- University of Minnesota Community Resource: Recommendations and Resources for Supporting Students Before, During, and After the Chauvin Trial
Books for Young People
- This Book is Anti-Racist – By Tiffany Jewell, illustrated by Aurélia Durand. Written for teens and a helpful companion to having discussions around racism. It includes sections on identity, how to make sense of history, taking action, and working in solidarity.
- Stamped From the Beginning – By Ibram X. Kendi (for older teens and adults) and Stamped (For Kids) by Ibram X. Kendi and Jason Reynolds. A book to help in the relearning/learning of the history of racism in order to make the connection to present-day.
- Things That Make White People Uncomfortable by Dave Zirin. A sports book for young people who want to make a difference, a memoir, and a book as hilarious and engaging as it is illuminating.
- Children in our World Racism and Intolerance by Louise A. Spilsbury, A book to help children understand the way others struggle with these issues and become empowered to make a difference.”
Resources for social-emotional/self-care support
- The Calm Room – Ramsey County Children’s Mental Health Collaborative
Mensaje de Tauheedah F. Baker-Jones, Directora de Equidad y Justicia Social de APS
El veredicto en el juicio de Derek Chauvin sin duda nos ha afectado a todos. Algunos de nosotros sentimos tristeza y dolor, otros experimentamos liberación y alivio, mientras que otros están experimentando una mezcla de emociones.
El veredicto contra Derek Chauvin es un punto de reivindicación para muchos en nuestra sociedad, que viven con heridas y temores que surgen de las injusticias contra las comunidades de color y los desequilibrios de poder y privilegio que han existido en nuestro país durante demasiado tiempo. Si bien la decisión del jurado se considera un paso positivo para algunos, también debemos considerar cómo el juicio y, lo que es más importante, el asesinato de George Floyd, podrían haberse evitado.
En Atlanta Public Schools (APS), hemos comenzado este trabajo a través del desarrollo de nuestro Centro para la Equidad y la Justicia Social. Estamos aquí para todos nuestros estudiantes. También somos defensores de su singularidad para asegurar que cada uno tenga un lugar para crecer y prosperar sin temor por su seguridad, prejuicios contra ellos o actos descaradamente racistas.
Si queremos ser liberados de la opresión racial y la violencia basada en la raza, debemos participar en acciones colectivas y trabajar juntos para promover la justicia social para todos. Recordemos también que, como comunidad, podemos hacer cambios a través de la enseñanza, el aprendizaje, la investigación crítica y el diálogo constructivo.
Lo más importante, como educadores, podemos cumplir nuestro papel crucial trabajando para crear ciudadanos comprometidos, que entiendan la importancia de la equidad y la justicia, y que valoren la importancia de estos ideales como señales distintivas del pluralismo y la democracia.
En APS, seguimos firmes en nuestros esfuerzos por promover la equidad y la justicia racial. La importancia de este trabajo se ha amplificado en muchas de nuestras conversaciones comunitarias en toda la ciudad, y la gente está comprometida a hacer el trabajo arduo. A medida que procesamos el resultado de este veredicto, sigamos trabajando juntos para que esa demografía no sea el destino para nuestros hijos.
Para concluir, quiero compartir información sobre cómo podemos involucrar a nuestros hijos en conversaciones sobre el resultado del juicio de Chauvin.
Yo animo fuertemente a los padres a entablar conversaciones con sus hijos, incluso si parecen no verse afectados. También recomiendo que nuestros educadores hagan espacio en sus aulas para diálogos críticos sobre el juicio.
Para concluir, no subestimemos la importancia de este momento y el poder de la acción y la voluntad colectivas. A través de nuestros esfuerzos unidos, podemos mejorar los resultados educativos para todos nuestros estudiantes, y establecer una base firme para el trabajo que continuará más allá de nosotros.
En paz y solidaridad,
Tauheedah F. Baker-Jones
Directora de Equidad y Justicia Social
Atlanta Public Schools
