Listen. Learn. Grow.

I teach at a rural high school in southern Tennessee. It’s a good school with lots of young people who want to learn and grow. Being one of the most progressive teachers there, I’m often asked about social and cultural situations. And, you know, it’s a lot of responsibility to answer correctly. Honestly, being a white, very privileged man, it’s tough sometimes to find the right words—to lead quickly and knowledgeably, but I also feel a great sense of honor in holding this responsibility.

The recent murder of George Floyd has sparked a huge conversation about race in our country. When students ask what they can do or how they can help, I urge them to listen. Living in an area that isn’t very diverse, I find it immensely important to listen to others. Process the words being said. Understand what is behind them. Grow from that new knowledge. I also think, once we’ve listened, that it’s important to participate in whatever way we can. For some, that could be social media campaigns. For others, there are many organizations that are doing good work, supporting anti-racism missions or championing other important actions geared to helping people of color in various ways. Donate money. Volunteer hours. Do what you can, and do it with a heart focused on love.

From a teaching perspective, I, myself, am listening, too. It’s important that we never grow tired of listening. We can always learn more. I’m also seeking out new literature by writers of color to include in my classroom. This is something I have always tried my best to do, but, now, I have a deeper awareness of my need to seek out even more.

Black lives matter. It’s a phrase that needs to be said over and over again until people understand it as truth and as THE way of life. Black lives matter. Black lives matter. Black lives matter…