Education Matters

“A mind is a terrible thing to waste”. Arthur Fletcher

This familiar quote is by Arthur Fletcher who became the head of the United Negro College Fund in 1973. The quote famously flashed across television screens in commercials beginning in 1972. Digging a little further in research, Mr. Fletcher was also referred to as the “Father of Affirmative Action”. He was a highly regarded educator, Republican political activist, and Assistant Secretary of Labor under then President Richard Nixon.

Now you may be wondering…. Where is Vanessa going with this?

This month’s focus is on education. Starting with the quote reminded me of the importance of education now more than ever. Reading about Mr. Fletcher was a learning experience. It reinforces how much education matters.

Congratulations to graduates

June is the month for celebrating grads. They are acknowledged and recognized for academic achievements. Depending on which level you are matriculating to, grads continue their learning path – throughout adulthood. Even though career adults may no longer be in school, we have acquired certain jobs because of our educational background. We often continue to learn by staying current in our skill sets or learning new skills to find other job opportunities or establish new businesses.

We should value our education by sharing with others, raising our standards of living for all, being inclusive, and appreciating individuals’ contributions.

But… I am angry

Angry because some elementary school children in Uvalde, TX will never continue their education. Those children had so much promise and enthusiasm. The world will miss out on what they could have accomplished.

Angry because some adults in Buffalo, NY, mostly seniors, will not continue to pass on more knowledge and wisdom from their lifetime experiences. Yet grateful for the stories and legacies they leave behind.

I am angry because some lawmakers would rather ban books than assault weapons. Politicians who cater to the moneyed lobbyists, organizations, PACs, and wealthy privileged constituents are short sighted, selfish, and weak. Those who don’t want the historical truths taught in the classrooms may be because they are ashamed or embarrassed to know the real stories. They prefer to hide it by gaslighting Critical Race Theory, making us believe that a “cross disciplinary social movement about race, society, and law” course is being taught in K-12. Give me a break! They dismiss books about diversity and inclusion particularly portraying diverse characters. These naysayers do not want diversity taught in the classrooms. Thank goodness there are libraries, bookstores, personal collections, and the internet. Learners must seek and discern the truth by educating themselves.

TAKE A PAUSE

I must breathe now and not come across as that ‘angry black woman’. But you read that I am.

Are you?

What should we do? What are you going to do?

Educate yourself.

Teach others the TRUTH.

Consider a political career for the right reasons.

Become an ally for DEI and belonging.

Start a business that promotes diversity.

Share your life story to encourage others.

Be intentional and trustworthy.

PASS IT ON!

Never stop learning because life never stops teaching!

Train up a child in the way she/he/they/them should live and when older, they will not depart from the truth!

We cannot change history

"To accept one's past – one's history – is not the same thing as drowning in it; it is learning how to use it. An invented past can never be used; it cracks and crumbles under the pressures of life like clay in a season of drought." James Baldwin

Read more: https://www.legit.ng/1315793-25-famous-james-baldwin-quotes-race-education-love.html

Arthur Allen Fletcher, "The Father of Affirmative Action" • (blackpast.org)

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