Justice for Jacob Blake
A letter to our families after the tragic events in Kenosha, Wisconsin.
Dear CG HS Families,
It’s been an incredible start to the school year that has filled my heart with gratitude in seeing our students return to school, engage with their friends and teachers, share their thoughts freely in class, stay focused on rigorous academics, and simply be among their school community. Our new and improved E-School 2.0 program having additional live learning has already proven to be significantly more effective and engaging than E-School in the Spring. From what I’ve already seen this week in classrooms, I’m confident we will have strong learning outcomes for our students this year. Even virtually, the power of our school community is tangible - and I couldn’t be more proud of how our teachers and students have begun the 20-21 school year.
And still with all the joy of the start of a new school year, the context with which our students and school community lives troubles me deeply - and I know it's affected all of you as well. When a black man, Jacob Blake, is shot 7 times walking away from police in Kenosha, WI, and a white man, Kyle Rittenhouse, can openly carry an assault rifle in front of police, shoot and kill multiple protesters, and sleep in his bed at the end of the night - it couldn’t be more clear that we still have a ways to go in fighting against systemic inequity in our country.
The feelings of NBA star LeBron James and NBA Coach Doc Rivers in their reflections after the tragedy are shared for many Black and brown families in our community:
“We are scared as Black people in America… we are terrified” - NBA Player Lebron James
“We’re the ones getting killed, we’re the ones getting shot… we’re the ones who have to have a conversation with every black child about being careful when being pulled over… It’s amazing to me why we keep loving this country and this country has not loved us back… I should just get to be a coach” - NBA Coach Doc Rivers
And our students should just get to be students. For our Black students and families, I can’t imagine how difficult this is for all of you but please know that we stand with you in solidarity and are here with you in this fight.
Amidst all of this, I remain hopeful because of our students, many of whom have been examples of civility and inclusion and continue to fight hard against inequity. As a school, we are more committed than ever in our fight against injustice and inequity daily through our work in our classrooms, how we live our values, educate ourselves and students about historic injustice, and ways we can be anti-racist. Opportunities for students and families to engage in our Equity Working group will be shared soon as an outlet for voice and change in our school community. We will continue to partner with you and our students to create a stronger, safer, and more racially just world for all of our families.
In solidarity,
Adeel Khan
