Silence, Segregation, and Selectivity Have Not Saved Our Schools

The situation in Chicago is emblematic of our nation’s history. Currently, fifty schools are slated for closure. Some city residents chose to be silent. Silence is perceived as safer. Others are satisfied with the segregation policies that are pervasive. Selective enrollments provide peace of mind. Statistics are used to present a school as high-performing. Millionaires and billionaires on the Chicago School Board have no complaints. Profitable contracts cemented for school building replacements serve the wealthy wielders of power well. The public too is settled. Silence, Segregation, and Selectivity, these are as they have been, “The American Way.”

Long ago, citizens were silent on the subject of educating the young Black and Brown children. While equality as a concept existed in the United States Constitution it was not evident on our streets. Slowly the populace came to their senses; youthful Black and Brown persons have much to contribute. When educated the possibilities are endless. Indeed, it was believed that one day we could have a Black President.

For years, the “Dream” was articulated with full knowledge that words would not be enough. People began to take action. Efforts to end slavery began. While progress was made, subjugation was replaced with segregation. In name only we integrated our schools. Still, many Black and Brown children were left behind.

Nationally, we adopted policies meant to give our young a chance, a choice to attend excellent schools. Collectively, the country encouraged the boys and girls to Race To The Top. However, we kept them at the bottom through selective enrollment policies.

As bad as these realities are they cannot compare with what city Mayors and unelected School Boards now do. Throughout the States, we close community schools! Officials claim to do this for the good of our children, but how can that be? How can adults dare say that sending a child out onto the streets to travel miles to a lower performing school is for their good?

The avenues and boulevards alone are not safe. Fewer books, teachers with less training, over-crowded classes made more full with the influx of transfer students, the conditions are not good. That is not the fault of the children. Society is responsible for starved schools. For too long we were silent, segregated, and/or selective. We still are! It is time to stop the madness and Save Our Students Schools!

We can no longer make excuses nay settle for policies that shut our children of color out. Silence, Segregation, and Selectivity Have Not Served Our Students nor Saved their Schools!

Thus, today, we, the people are standing up. We say, “Stop shuttering the doors and windows. Open your hearts and your head; see the children of color as equals. Offer every child abundant opportunities to learn, to glow, and to grow…to grow the greater good.”

Speak Out! Stand With Us! Include and Increase Access to an Authentic Education For One and All! Join Us as for weekly Human Rights Bus Tours. Save Chicago Schools!

Spread the word and the deed. Take the message to your Mayor and School Boards! Do not stop there! Governors’ offices, the Federal Department of Education, Congressperson who sit on The Hill, we the people are coming! President Obama you too will not be forgotten. Our children have taught us how painful that proposition can be.

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