One Step Closer to Change

April 20, 2021

Dear KIPP Texas Families,

Likely by now, you have heard there was a verdict in Derek Chauvin’s trial for George Floyd’s murder. Chauvin has been convicted on all three counts. I am in tears. This is an important and historic moment. The conviction of former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin is a crucial, positive, step toward change, accountability, and justice. 

Before anything else, I want to acknowledge that, in a just world, George Floyd would still be with us. No court decision, amount of money, or social change as a result could ever fill the void left by George’s death. While we can applaud this ruling, we know there still remains much work to be done to dismantle racism, anti-Blackness, anti-darkness, and systems of oppression in our country.

We remain committed to being an anti-racist organization and working together with our families and communities to prepare our KIPPsters to build a more just world where the lives of Black men and women are never taken in the first place.

In the coming days, we will share resources in our schools and classrooms to help Little and Big KIPPsters process, listen to each other, learn from each other, and heal together as a Team and Family.  All children should wake up daily with no doubt that their lives matter and there is a community that supports and advocates with and for them. No matter what is going on in the world outside our walls, we promise to create that brave community inside our schools where every KIPPster, Little and Big, belongs, feels valued for who they are, and is loved.

I am honored to be a part of an organization that stands against racism and stands against anti-Blackness and anti-darkness. As a Team & Family, it has never been more important for us to lead with empathy – we love, support, and care for one another, Little and Big KIPPsters alike, and we will build a more just world — together. 

With gratitude,

Sehba