Celebrating Juneteenth
Here at Common Ground, it was already in our minds to honor and celebrate Juneteenth. We were so surprised and pleased that Governor Northam made it a state holiday last year, even in the midst of everything else going on. We were closed in June 2020, so we could not honor it properly, but it gave us time to think on what it means to our teachers and students. On the actual day we continue to do the work and support our families today, but all of our staff gets Holiday Pay.
We are also here to say that’s not enough. A nod to acknowledge this National Memory on what was supposed to be the end of racial injustice is the best way to BEGIN striving for growth and change. Stopping here implies that there isn’t still work to do.
Our work is just beginning everywhere, especially in childcare, where women of color help raise and educate the future.
The best way to begin striving for growth and change is acknowledging the mistakes of our past. There is no better personification of this journey than Ralph Northam.
The Daily Podcast has an amazing episode covering Northam’s journey in the last five years. You can listen to it HERE. When it was discovered Northam had dressed in black face during a contest in medical school, it was disappointing, but unsurprising. Black politicians had been used to this song and dance of half-hearted apologies and photo ops. Instead of trying to bury his mistakes, Northam took the time to feel that shame and consider his internal dialogue. Most importantly? He asked. He listened. He sat down with his BIPOC politicians and asked what he should be doing to guide the future of Virginia in the right direction.
Their collaboration has transformed Virginia. Knowing that there is so much still to do is heartening, because it means we can still grow and change and continue toward a better future.
What are things we can do here? Today? Now? What are the things WE can do to move our families, our school, our district, our state, our country, our world forward?
Self-Reflect. Be okay with realizing you don’t know everything, that you are wrong, that you have biases. Familiarize yourself with them. Knowing the problem is instrumental in defeating it. TEACH YOUR CHILDREN TO DO THE SAME. Making a mistake or being wrong is only bad if you don’t work to improve. Learn what there is to know about Juneteenth.
Listen. Listen to your BIPOC neighbors, friends, teachers. Ask them what you can do, how you can support them. Ask them what they need, and keep your promises.
Speak. After the first two steps, it’s time to speak! Talk to your representatives, talk to your friends and family, help guide them in personal growth. Supporting your BIPOC childcare teachers is more essential than ever, now that the Biden administration is taking great strides in the early childhood educational field. Help them make their voice heard by adding your own.
Thank you for helping support our Common Ground community every single day. Growing with you has been an honor and a privilege.
Love Love Love,
Your CG Family
