Dear FDNSC Community,
We reach out to you at this time of unrest in our community. We know that this response to the killing of unarmed Black men and women, often at the hands of law enforcement, is a response to today’s murders, and to the history of lynching in this country. We stand with the nation as we mourn and seek justice for the recent murders of Mr. George Floyd, Ahmaud Arbery, Breonna Taylor (to name but a few). We also recognize, as an institution of education, our role in continually working to end the institutional racism that pervades the systems that govern our society and citizenry.
As a school, Francine Delany will continue to serve not only as an ally, but also as an “accomplice” for social justice. We believe in continued, measured efforts towards reform, not simply episodic solidarity. Our energy will not fade, but continue until real change is made.
We are committed to continuing the following, and invite you to join us in:
- directly challenging institutional racism, white supremacy, colonization, and systems of oppression as we integrate anti-racist and Black studies across grade levels.
- hiring, supporting, and promoting more employees of color.
- providing sustained anti-racist professional development to our staff, which includes sending all teachers to Racial Equity Institute.
- offering anti-racist workshops and events for families.
- offering spaces for our older students to discuss race and antiracism within caucus groups.
- ensuring Black students have equitable access to academically rich experiences and opportunities.
Recognizing we don’t have all the answers, we would like to help galvanize our FDNSC community, and so, offer a few resources, challenges, and opportunities.
- Join us in forming a Racial Equity Committee, which will work to create a Racial Equity Plan for our school. If you are interested please email buffy@fdnsc.net.
- Read or listen to Stamped: Racism, Antiracism, and You by Jason Reynolds and Ibram X. Kendi The book is currently free on Spotify. We will host a book club in August for FDNSC families. To sign up email brady@fdnsc.net.
- Participate in the 21 Day Challenge, and for 21 days do one action to further your understanding of power, privilege, supremacy, oppression, and equity. They provide a tracking chart to stay on task, and the challenge may be done alone or in groups.
- Support one of the social justice organizations and Black Owned businesses listed below.
We know that this time is traumatic and would also like to let Black families know that we want to hear from you about how we can be supportive now and beyond this moment.
At Francine Delany we believe in the strength and solidarity of our community and look forward to continuing to work towards justice through education, personal growth, and community advocacy.
Sincerely,
FDNSC Executive Council and Board of Directors
Resources:
Stamped: Racism, Antiracism, and You by Jayson Reynolds and Ibram X. Kendi
21 Day Challenge Racial/Equity Habit Building Challenge
Watch Jason Reynolds talk about how to talk to your children about race
Listen to Jason Reynolds talk about how to talk to your children about race
Resources for White Parents on Raising Anti-Racist Children Includes books and videos for children and adults.
Mindful Schools-Mindfulness can be a tool to develop awareness and compassion so we are resourced to take action to address racism and injustice.
Organizations to Support:
Local Organizations
Racial Justice Coalition of Asheville
A List of More Local Organizations
Local Youth Organizations
YTL: Youth Transformed for Life
National Organizations
Black Owned Businesses to Support:
Asheville Green Book (Hood Huggers International)
See Burton Street Peace Garden FB Page for more business updates