Just what color is
that elephant in the room? Until we actually look at it, we won’t be able to
see. As a native Atlantan, I was never aware of the lasting effects of
segregation until I was old enough to realize that voluntary segregation still
exists. The recent unrest in Ferguson, MO is only one example of what is
occurring in communities all across the U.S. I feel strongly as a Jewish
educator that we must bring greater awareness to our students – awareness of
the growing gap between economic, educational, and cultural opportunities for
those of color and whites right here in our own neighborhoods. The microcosm of
discord is mirrored globally, even in our homeland as Hamas seeks to overpower
the Israeli citizens. The headlines in Europe are startling. Different location
- history repeating. The imperative of the Holocaust survivors, “Never again!”
speaks to us as Jews who believe in B’tzelem Elohim. We are all made in the
image of G-d. Not only is it critical for us to tell our story, but it is
equally imperative that we speak up when we see injustices to others. We were
once slaves; we cannot stand idly by and assume that racial inequality is not
our problem.
The Davis Academy
values are guiding principles that should lead us in our decision-making, our
learning, our living. So it is through the lens of tzedek, righteousness or
justice, that the sixth grade students examined more closely the events of the
Civil Rights Movement and the events in Ferguson. Having visited Birmingham, AL
and having read Watsons go to Birmingham,
by Christopher Paul Curtis, the students experienced enforced segregation in
their own classroom. The activity allowed students to feel the emotional
effects of degradation and exclusion. As would be expected, some students gave
up trying to change their situation; others were angry that their friends were
being treated unfairly; a brave few made attempts to help their segregated
friends and then suffered a penalty.
The students then entered
a thoughtful discussion about what has and has not changed since 1963 with a
lens of empathy. I guided the class to think about the difficult questions.
Although there are no clear answers, the activity opened the door to conversation.
At the end of the day, all the students gathered to hear from a
teacher/administrator who lives a mere ten minutes from Ferguson. He gave us a
lesson on the city’s demographic history, then shared the conversation with
high school students in Birmingham, both white and African-American. The high
school students shared their personal opinions as well as the actions they are
taking to break down barriers.
During a subsequent
class period, the sixth graders viewed this video http://www.wsbtv.com/news/news/local/converging-cultures-shape-atlantas-civil-rights-hi/nghMr/
to gain an understanding of the Atlanta Jewish/African
American experience. Students wrote reflective pieces about their learning that
included what they could do to make a difference. Throughout the year we will
be revisiting the importance of tzedek as well as the critical understanding we
find in the Sanhedrin,“save a life and it is as if you have saved the world.”
Complacency is a dangerous position our grandparents and great grandparents endured
first hand. Speak out against injustice. Stand up for what is right. Treat all
beings with the respect they deserve. This is what the Torah teaches us, and
what I now pass on to the next generation. We cannot be afraid to enter the
discourse. We must face the elephant, and guide him out. Our middle school
students are ready, willing, and able to help us.
…I believe our community can make a change by respecting one
another, treating people the way you would want to be treated, and being fair.
Being respectful is a big part of treating people in a good way. As a community,
if we see bullying happening about skin color, or even religion one should
stop, and say something. Don't be the person that witnesses an argument and
doesn't speak to anyone about the issue…. - Elena
…To help promote understanding and education, our
school or grade level could tweet out every week, or maybe create a grade
website, about how we want the world to be and the vision of the earth we see
in the brightest, unexplored corners of our minds. Changing the world starts
with one, and I truly think that as a community, we can bring everyone
together….Lily F.
…I often think about the community across from the Davis
Academy Lower School, the elementary public school across from us. What I can
do to bring the two lower schools together is to organize a dinner and campfire
at Morgan Falls Park. We can include some teamwork activities. The parents can
chat and get to know each other. The campfire will include marshmallows,
chocolate, and graham crackers for all to make s ‘mores. The kids can get to
know each other very well. And if my plan works, a lot of new friendships will
be made. We should continue the activities on an on going base to enrich the
relationships between the kids….Ziv
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