The older Michai gets, the more I realize how different his personality is from either parent. I prefer to remain behind the scenes, but will be out front if needed. I think Vince is the same, but his personality is much more vibrant. Michai’s is too, but only a few people get to see it, so I knew it would be a task to get him to commit to Kellie’s ask of him sharing his dream of a liberated education during last night’s Zoom.
After he thought about the subject, he said, “This doesn’t apply to me because I have access and do all I need to as a Black student.” I responded by saying, “The programs available to you were not available to me, and definitely not your grandparents. You saw at the Redline Exhibit, the school Grandma (my Mom) went to, and 3 others were closed.”
Michai: Well, that’s history. I live differently.
Me: You’re on to something, but also a little blinded as not all kids have access. So speak on that.
Listed below is most of what he said, and below that is the link to the Zoom where you can see him in the first 10 minutes. That is also where I realized the very think I’ve been preaching about students I’ve been overlooking in my own house…Michai’s still a kid. The swaying in the chair, the nervousness and speed of his speech…he’s still a kid. I’m proud of him for doing something he wouldn’t typically do, and I’m grateful to Kellie for asking as it is preparing him for his next steps. If he has an English professor like I had (Dr. Soncerey Montgomery), he will be taught (forced) to be confident with his voice.
While there is always more for a person to learn, I feel as though I’m experiencing a liberated education.
My history teachers, White and Black, have always challenged the content in the materials we learn from by acknowledging the missing pieces of Black History.
I’m afforded the opportunities and freedoms to challenge decisions with my African American female Assistant Principal who, instead of offering immediate disciplinary actions, has treated me as one of her biological children by having direct conversations and giving me opportunities to correct my mistakes.
My Black football coaches had different educational experiences, which push them to be more transparent with the team.
I constantly have conversations with my Dad about parts of Black history that very few people know or choose to talk about.
My Black male therapist is always real with me about the challenges he continues to face emotionally, and despite owning a successful practice, the challenges he faces professionally as being one of few who look like him. He and his team have been very supportive of my family in making sure my appointments are only disclosed at our discretion because we are not too far removed from the mental health stigma, particularly as it relates to Black students.
Despite me not always feeling like attending, the meetings with The YMCA Black Achievers and Crosby Scholars AAMPED programs, and the WSFCS Equity Advisory Committee, allow me to use my voice and they make me feel like my voice is welcomed and appreciated.
I learned from my Mom that these opportunities and experiences haven’t always been available and they haven’t always allowed students to show up as I’m able to today. My Mom also reminds me of it being the reason she thought long and hard about the schools I’ve attended. So I guess my dream for a liberated education would be that ALL students would have the freedoms and opportunities I’ve had to be seen and celebrated, particularly at a place they spend 8 or more hours a day, 180 days out of a year for 13 years. That their teachers would have the freedoms to teach them honest American history.
There is so much more for me to learn, but I’m grateful for the communities represented tonight because I know I don’t have to go far for the education.