the spirit of love
and family responsibility, that we write to you— our urban African
American youth— and extend our heartfelt apology.
Each one of
us deeply regrets that America's education system and its urban schools
have failed you so miserably, for so long. Many of us work in the
schools. Many of us also run after-school or cultural enrichment and
college-prep programs. We have an inside view and know exactly what the
education system's problems are and who is responsible for them being,
and staying that way.
We are writing this letter to you because
from this day forward, we refuse to allow public perception to continue
to blame you for the gross failures, racist practices and educational
negligence of a society. America is a very wealthy nation run by
grown-folks who make laws and education policies, yet in every area
pertaining to Blacks and other people of color, there are just too many
shameless, selfish adults of every racial background who aren't abiding
by the very laws and rules they get paid to enforce.
This
country has consistently undervalued the African American people. Stolen
and brought here in chains, it does not acknowledge that its wealth was
created by the centuries of forced labor, toil and tears of our
ancestors. Nor does it readily recognize our vast Black history of
accomplishments, scientific, technical and every-day inventions,
intellectual gifts, cultural contributions, patriots and heroes except
for using them during the month of February to try to sell the world a
false notion that African Americans on the whole, are seen as valued and
important. If that were true, then there would be no excuse for why the
national priority isn't making right your schools; ensuring that you
excel by affording you the exact same, rich opportunities to advance
yourselves to lead the same kind of happy, successful and productive
lives promised and realized by others in America.
The
NATIONAL
BLACK EDUCATION AGENDA (NBEA) formed because we know this. We know our
African American history and the history of America, and we are stepping
up to lead our Black youth in knowing it too. This country cannot
fathom how deep our African-ancestral blood still runs within our
families, providing us the individual will to endure and determination
to struggle to overcome the horrible atrocities of discrimination in the
most basic areas of life; equality in housing, jobs, access to healthy
food, medical care and education. Remember that racial injustices,
poverty and the inhumane conditions we endure, can never define who you,
or we are as a people. The famous African American— the U.S.
poet-laureate, Maya Angelou has written a poem called "Still I Rise"
and we want you to find it, read it and take it to heart.
Know
that the NBEA is growing our membership to survive any obstacles put in
the way of demonstrating our abiding love for you— our glorious and
brilliant Black children— and we will put forth the energy to see that
you not only rise, but thrive.
The NBEA is individually related
to each of you by a shared African ancestry, and our work is to create a
sort of national family reunion of African-centered consciousness and
principles that demonstrate respect for each other, our diverse
experiences, knowledge, education levels, talents and gifts. As one
giant Black family across America, the NBEA is hereby declaring to use
all of this in our collective protection of your educations. We will no
longer allow what you learn about yourself as a child of African
ancestry, and your human potential to contribute to the betterment of
your family, community and this society, to be controlled solely by
others.
We promise to do everything in our power to positively
change what your educational paths and schools are like, only we need
your help.
First— we need you to honor life. It is never too
late to love and respect yourself and decide once and for all, to take
ownership over your academic and social lives. We need you to continue
to make positive choices and allow your brilliance to shine through
everyday, in everything you do. This means you must study, demonstrate
self-discipline, Black pride and a personal determination to do what you
can to avoid the trouble that seems to be around every urban corner.
Next, we know you are resourceful! We know you have dreams, goals and
great ideas. We encourage you to keep following them along a positive
path. We need you to step up as a leader in your own life. Do your best
to help your parents and/or those whose roofs you live under, and
remember to be respectful of our elders— forgiving them even if they
aren't especially of you. Stop and consider what they must have endured
in their lives to make them who they are. Treat yourself and others
kindly, and know that good and decent people come in all colors of the
human rainbow.
Please send us an email teaching us about you
and the positive things in your life, along with a picture. Let us
acknowledge your pride and share your accomplishments with your national
Black family.
When we roll-out our Regional Action Groups, get
involved and help the NBEA put your ideas and role-modeling to work for
other young sisters and brothers.
We are asking you to take
control over you— and think very carefully about how you choose to
respond to challenges and hardships. Think about your individual power
to overcome adversity, remembering that violence begets more violence.
Giving up your inner peace because you are carrying hatred and grudges
gets you nothing, and takes you no where good. We urge you to do things
that invest in your brain, are healthy for your body and give you peace
of mind: exercising, practicing a sport and expressing your hurts and
hopes through the creative power of music, art, dance, writing and other
positive outlets. If you believe in a higher power, invest in your
faith. And make time to read everyday. Knowledge really is the base of
your power. When you continuously fuel your brain, no one can hijack or
steal it away from you. If you don't own a library card, get one. Read
the "Autobiography of Malcolm X," even if you've seen the movie. The
library will let you download free audio books for your iPod or phone.
Hear the true stories of how our oppressed people have endured for
centuries and learn what they did to make good and productive lives for
themselves. Through the transformational power of books, find those that
inspire and allow you to escape to distant lands. Allow yourself to
travel the limitless world of your imagination. Hold on to that.
Should the problems you face be more than you can handle, look to your
parents and if that's not an option, seek out a caring teacher,
religious leader or youth worker in your community to talk to. Don't
stop looking for help if any one person lets you down— decide never to
give up on yourself.
As we lovingly make this request of you—
we know change isn't easy. But we "feel you" and we've got your back.
Meanwhile, the NBEA and our allies are fierce in demanding that this
nation's schools and system of education implement policies that respect
your intelligence, your parents, and your rights.
Again,
change will not come easily. Just know that we believe in you— our
brilliant, beautiful Black children, and we believe in our united power
to make a difference in your lives, schools and communities. Hold onto
hope and do your part. We are here for you. Know that we love you
because we are you. You belong to us and we belong to you.
Lastly, we need you to know from America's history that every single
time Black people in this country have decided to organize and mobilize,
the nation has shifted a little more towards freedom and justice for
all. That is our undeniable legacy. Our Black education agenda is a
movement that will soon make history in this same manner: moving all of
us closer to freedom and justice for all.
True that.
Signed, with love, hope and respect,
The members of the National Black Education Agenda
September 8th, 2012
