|
|
|
KEVIN BACON, ORABSE PRESIDENT
|
|
|
Dear Members of the Oregon Alliance of Black School Educators,
As I step into the final stretch of my tenure as president, I am energized by the potential and the promise of the path ahead. Our focus for these upcoming months will be centered on strategic planning, aimed at bolstering the support network for black educators across the state, as well as creating environments where black students can thrive and excel.
One of our foremost priorities is to welcome new members into our organization. Together, we can forge a collective strength that amplifies our impact. Your involvement is crucial in this endeavor. Whether you’re an experienced educator or someone passionate about advocating for equitable education, your voice matters. |
|
|
I urge each one of you to reach out to potential members and invite them to be part of this vital work. Furthermore, I invite all members to actively participate in this year’s survey. Your insights are invaluable in guiding the direction of our alliance. By sharing your thoughts, you help shape policies and initiatives that reflect the needs and aspirations of our community.
In closing, I want to extend my heartfelt congratulations to Ms. Nichole Watson, who will be taking the reins as our next president. Her dedication and vision will undoubtedly steer our alliance toward even greater heights. Let us move forward with purpose, unity, and the unwavering belief in the transformative power of education.
|
|
~LURLENE SHAMSUD-DIN, ORABSE PROJECT MANAGER |
|
|
Program Manager’s Corner – |
Jambo, Jambo, Jambo! The Swahili greeting for Welcome! I feel SO overjoyed to say those words to you as you embark on a new school year of doing some of the most important work of your lives, teaching our “babies”. It is another year of opportunity to demonstrate that “All children can learn,” but greater still, that you are willing and can teach ALL children! While it may seem that education is under attack and that morale needs an uplift, know that ORABSE continues to be here to support, encourage and inspire you. We have been busy meeting and discussing ways of ensuring that educators throughout the state have access to resources and connections. Through a short survey, we will be asking for your ideas and feedback on what you know is necessary for your success. We got you! |
|
|
Speaking of success: I recently spoke with Oregon State Representative, Janelle Bynum. Her daughter received scholarships from ORABSE and will be graduating in December and one step closer to becoming a dentist. Rep. Bynum stated that her daughter “takes her support from ORABSE and the community very seriously,” and committed to doing her best in representing that support through maintaining excellent grades and service during her college studies. This is why we do what we do! Thank you to each one of you who are supporting this work!
ORABSE continues to collaborate and maintain partnerships. We are also developing new relationships that enhance our mission. More news to come on a partnership of big ideas that will enhance the learning of students and lead to greater success in classrooms in supporting teachers!
ORABSE congratulates Dr Charlene Williams for her appointment as the first Black Director for the Oregon Department of Education. Her confirmation will take place on September 29th. We will share the time and place as soon as we receive the information. We are hoping that the community shows up to show our support.
Thank you to ALL of our funders, colleagues and collaborateurs, who support and encourage our mission!Working with this team is an absolute joy!. We are going to have a GREAT year!
In service, Lurlene Shamsud-Din |
|
Nationally, there are concerns over attempts to erase or limit teaching of inclusive history within educational and occupational institutions. ORABSE shares these concerns and is aligned with NABSE to address the issues. We will share our efforts with you on a rolling basis. Here are some edited comments from NABSE Newsbriefs:
Over the past year, states have passed legislation that limits what aspects of Black history can be taught in schools, from slavery to racism and civil rights. These new laws have left advocates worried over whether the March on Washington will be taught at all. The Rev. Al Sharpton, who has been part of the fight for civil rights since he was a teenager, told The Hill that efforts to suppress the learning of Black history is an endeavor to inhibit progress.
“I never thought I would see a time that people would celebrate trying to erase and edit history,” Sharpton said. “We need to tell people that despite the fact we were chattel slaves, we were able to struggle and get to a Black president. That can be a glorious story, but you take the glory out of the story when you want to take the pain and the suffering out. … Anytime you have an edited story, you underestimate the intellect and ability of the American people to understand our growth.”
The new school year has kicked off with a spate of bans on books, many of which discuss Black history or were written by Black authors and touch on racism, slavery and Black identity. Proponents of the bans argue these books and the history they tell could be construed as violent and divisive. In February, PEN America reported that 50 education gag orders on race were introduced in 16 states, with 34 orders focused on K-12 schools, four focused on colleges and universities, and 12 that targeted both. Many of these gag orders borrowed language from an executive order by former President Trump that created a list of “divisive concepts” that could not be taught in federal training programs. Though this order was revoked by President Biden, language limiting teachings that could make a student feel “discomfort,” “anguish” or “guilt” has been included in many of the gag orders.Even as some states are cracking down on teaching this bleak aspect of American history, others are finding ways to grapple with the horrors of slavery, Jim Crow and racism. Maryland Gov. Wes Moore (D), the nation’s third elected Black governor and the state’s first, said his state is being “intentional” in reconciling with its dark history. |
“Our history is our strength. Our history is our foundation, our history is the thing that reminds us every single day that nothing is impossible, that no matter what it is that we are facing, you can look back at your history and understand both as a nation, but also for African Americans and people of color,” Moore said. “There’s this excuse that’s being made that, oh, we’re doing it because we don’t want students to feel discomfort, or we don’t want students to feel guilt,” Moore continued. |
|
|
Black Community Science Night |
Save the date for the 2nd Annual Black Community Science Night OMSI
Friday, Oct. 13, 2023
|
Restore, Refuel, Revive: Wellness Fair |
ORABSE will be holding its second "Restore, Refuel, Revive" Wellness Fair this November.
Coming In November, 2023
Location To Be Announced |
|
|
“That’s not true. It’s not that they don’t want certain students feeling guilt, it’s that they don’t want all students feeling empowered. Because when you know your history, nothing intimidates you.”
Moore was straightforward about Maryland’s painful history with Black Americans. His state had been the home of powerful Black Americans over the years — including Harriet Tubman, Frederick Douglass and Thurgood Marshall. “When you know your history, nothing intimidates you. I don’t flinch, and I don’t flinch because I know my history,” Moore added. |
|
The 14th Annual Teaching with Purpose Conference |
Dr. Angela Davis is the Keynote Speaker Saturday, October 13th | 8:00AM to 4:00PM Lincoln High School 1750 SW Salmon St, Portland, OR 97205 |
|
|
|
|
|
Join Parkrose School District and incredible community partners for our annual community ride on Saturday, October 7th at 11:00am.
Meet us at Parkrose Middle School with your "wheels" and let's roll out. Together!
All ages, wheels (non-vehicle), communities, schools and districts are welcome to join this event!
The walking route, hosted by Oregon Walks, is approximately 1.7 miles. The cycling route, hosted by PBOT, is approximately 2.5 miles.
We can't wait to ride out with you!
|
|
|
|
|
You're receiving this email because you've signed up to receive updates. If you'd prefer not to receive updates you can unsubscribe
info@orabse.org PO Box 18154, Portland, OR, 97218, United States of America
|
|
|
|
