Posted January 7, 2021
North Community,
Since the moment that it was brought to my attention what took place at the capitol in Washington, D.C. yesterday, I have not been able to think about anything else.
I was so excited that Georgia will have their first Black Senator, and then saddened when I read that there have only been 10 Black Senators in history.
I was so excited that we have a democratic process where people have a voice and a say and that the election results would be ratified, and then saddened that democracy was intentionally attacked and that attack was fueled by our President.
My heart breaks for watching the attack on democracy. I am angry at the stark difference of images from yesterday where it was as if protestors were encouraged into the capital compared to the images from this summer where brutal force was used against peaceful protestors, many who were black.
Yesterday was an ugly day for America.
Yesterday was a sad day for America.
Yesterday must be a day that continues to fuel the importance of our work to prioritize our equity work of race, class, and privilege in the North Community.
Many of us are experiencing emotions given the situation yesterday.
At North today in every space and every class, we will be providing time to debrief, process, ask questions, and engage in the events from yesterday.
We would encourage you to engage in conversations at home as well if you have not already. Below are some resources that we have provided to staff that may be helpful in your homes as well.
Questions to Get Started:
What do you know about what happened yesterday?
Any thoughts about what happened?
Anything you want to get off your chest about yesterday’s events?
Did yesterday’s events remind you of anything?/ Do you see any similarities to other historical events?
What did you see/hear and how did it make you feel?
What questions do you have about the events from yesterday? (It is okay not to answer them- you don’t have to know.)
What actions, if any, do the events from yesterday prompt you to want to take?
Prompts to dig deeper: (Please add your own prompts to this section for others)
Do people have the right to protest if we disagree with what they believe?
When does a protest turn into something else?
How did Black Excellence change outcomes in the Georgia election?
How might folx with other perspectives view the events of yesterday?
How did anti-oppression show up in the Georgia election?
What does race have to do with the events of yesterday?
What did the events of yesterday teach you about yourself?
Resources
Facing History – Responding to Insurrection
How to Know What To Trust – Guide to decide if it is factual or not
When Bad Things Are Happening – These recommendations build on the Psychological First Aid (PFA) framework, developed by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security: “Listen, Protect, Connect—Model & Teach,” They also include suggestions from the American School Counselor Association and The Child Mind Institute.’
Teaching in Times of Crisis – A reminder that “It Is Best to Do Something,” and some helpful things to consider
TEACHING ABOUT RACE, RACISM AND POLICE VIOLENCE – Helpful resources that aid in the facilitation of conversations around race, racism, and police violence
To Sustain the Tough Conversations, Active Listening Must Be the Norm – A reminder that the emphasis in these conversations should be put on listening
Coping with a Traumatic Event – Helpful resource for understanding what constitutes as a traumatic event and some common responses
Sending love into wounded spaces,
-Principal Wolf