KIPP Texas Team & Family,
I acknowledge reading this right now, you may be angry; you may be sad; and / or you may be numb. Yesterday’s news of the unjust decision in Breonna Taylor’s death and the horrific reports of immigrant women being subjected to unwanted hysterectomies at immigration detention centers are devastating. We are still mourning the loss of Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, while dealing with the unprecedented start to the school year due to COVID-19 and Texas being impacted several times by hurricanes and tropical storms. There is no doubt that 2020 continues to be a difficult year.
But I have hope. I have hope because the KIPP Texas Team & Family is committed to the journey of being an anti-racist organization, which means our KIPPsters are learning in an environment that welcomes and honors their full selves; and, during moments like this, we won’t be silent in the face of injustice, inside or outside of our walls.
I also have hope because on November 3, we have the opportunity to make our voices heard by casting a ballot and encouraging others to do the same. I know many of us feel powerless right now. Voting is one of the most important ways we can use our voices.
If you are like me and are looking for opportunities to take action, here are a few suggestions:
- Be sure you are registered to vote before the October 5 deadline. Visit www.register2vote.org and share with your friends and family!
- Find out what’s on the ballot in your county and make a plan to vote! Early voting runs Tuesday, October 13 through Friday, October 30. Election Day is November 3, and KIPP Texas will have noon dismissal across all regions to allow plenty of time to vote. Visit www.votetexas.gov or your county’s election website for more information.
- Find out who represents you at all levels of government, save their contact information, and communicate with them often about issues that matter to you.
Thank you to all of those who have spoken up against the systemic racism that keeps the officers involved in Breonna Taylor’s death from being held accountable, for those of you having brave and difficult conversations with family and friends, and for those of us willing to learn, look inward, and grow. You are all teaching and inspiring me and each other. Please don’t hesitate to contact your school or manager if you would like to speak to a counselor. We are here to listen and support you.
Let me be clear: KIPP Texas stands with our students, staff, and families in condemning police brutality and systemic injustice that disproportionality affects Black and Latinx communities. We are and remain committed to becoming a more anti-racist organization and to building a more just world.
Thank you for your continued partnership.
One song,
Sehba Ali
KIPP Texas CEO
#SayHerName #BlackLivesMatter #KIPPforJustice
