It is my responsibility and honor to continue the long legacy of fighting for racial equality and inclusion. My goal, now, is to create a bridge between those in power and unheard students and families. I have lived throughout this country and have experienced racism and prejudice in many forms, which has given me a clear vision of how race and white Supremacy are indoctrinated and woven into the very fabric of our country. My hope is through educating our community, we will be able to help change the narrative. This is no easy task to accomplish, but I am appreciative of the people that accept the calling to make the imperative transformation possible. I want to help create a world that values equity for my children.
I have raised two mixed race girls through the Avon Public Schools. Because of this experience, I have become acutely aware of biases and systemic inequities that many of us are unaware of because they do not touch us. As parents and community members we have work to do to help build a school community where everyone, especially our students of color and others that don’t fit community norms, feel they belong and can thrive equally. I want to support the transformational change needed to build a school community that becomes a better place for everyone.
All kids deserve to have a learning environment free from racial and cultural bias with equitable opportunities. I believe a diverse, equitable, and inclusive school culture benefits everyone, and to not work towards these ideals is a disservice to all of our children. As a mother of two young children just starting out in Avon Public Schools, my hope is that all of our kids will have a learning environment where they feel valued, can thrive, and that equips them with not only the academic, but the social and emotional skills and awareness needed to understand and successfully navigate the diverse, complex and ever-changing world that awaits them.
Education is a basic need and right for all children. As the mother of three children within Avon Public Schools and the granddaughter of Freedom Riders, equity in all parts of the society is a work in progress.
The equity gap in our nation, state and town is crippling our human decency. This grass roots team is taking a step in the right direction to raise awareness of the unconscious racism that occurs on a daily basis and bringing about change in our community so that we can set the example for the rest of Connecticut. Each and every child no matter their skin color, cultural background or socio-economic status has a unique gift to contribute and it is our responsibility as adults to nurture, welcome and prepare ALL of our students so that they can thrive in this world.
My children were fortunate to attend Avon Public Schools a few years ago. After George Floyd’s death we learnt about systemic racism through documentaries, movies and books. Now I am less ignorant, I feel compelled to do my part, to fight for the necessary change so minority children can have the educational experience that my children did. Pushback against critical race theory is just one more example of people avoiding the necessary conversation. I believe a great nation is one that can admit its failures and address them to become a stronger, united country. Just walk in someone else’s shoes.
As my eyes have opened to America’s white supremacy history, it has become increasingly clear to me the ways in which our history continues to influence life today. While many recognize America’s racist past, they are still unwilling to admit that America is not great for everyone. We need one country united in justice. This is why I strive to become a meaningful ally in tackling racism. Doing this work is the right thing to do in order for humanity to thrive and flourish.
