On the evening of Tuesday, February 2nd, nearly 70 participants attended a virtual town hall on racial justice held by Glen Haven Elementary School. This was the third Town Hall for Racial Justice held by the school since June 2021. Principal Cassandra Heifetz warmly welcomed parents, caregivers, and school staff. She shared gratitude for the interpreters providing English-Spanish translation throughout the event and began introductions for the Glen Haven staff facilitators* for the evening’s conversation. Using the chat feature, participants shared introductions, many participants mentioned having attended previous town hall gatherings and book club events. Heifetz grounded the conversation in the school's mission and commitment to equitable and just education for all students. “Glen Haven Elementary School proudly stands in support of the Black Lives Matter at School Week of Action,” exclaimed Heifetz. She reminded the group of the week of action as an opportunity for action. 

After reviewing the group’s community agreements, Heifetz asked participants to engage in personal reflections. Parents and caregivers were asked to share their responses in the chat to the questions: 

• What does Black Lives Matter mean to you and your kids? 

• What does Black Lives Matter at School mean to you and your kids?

Comments trickled in with mentions for the demand for justice and valuing Black communities and Black families.  Assistant principal Desmond Mackall continued the conversation by recognizing the difficulties in conversations around racial injustice. He paused and asked, “Why is this conversation so difficult?” Mackall later spoke to some of the possible reasons which included power dynamics, societal and cultural norms that tell us not to discuss these issues, fear, previous negative experiences, and vulnerability. He encouraged the group to “keep race on the table!”

Mackall later led the group in a review of the compass for courageous conversations. The presentation slide displayed a compass featuring four quadrants that read: right/wrong, questions, emotion, and action. All text shared throughout the event’s slide show included Spanish translation, a loving practice of language equity. 

“We’re going to ask you to take into consideration all four quadrants as we center and focus on race,” said Mackall. He introduced the next activity — a viewing of Woke Kindergarten’s 60-second video, Spot the Difference, and small group discussion. Using breakout groups, participants shared reflections on the thought-provoking video clip, while encompassing reflections for all four quadrants. Using the compass as a guide for reflection, the groups discussed: 

1. What questions do you have?

2. How does it make you feel?

3. What feels right/wrong?

4. What is an action you can take?

The video features images from this year’s insurrection at the Capitol and image captures from the 2020 summer uprisings against police brutality. Parents and caregivers shared their feelings of anger, frustration, and difficulties in navigating conversations about the recent events. Many expressed appreciation for the accountability for change making brought on by the GHES staff.

A parent of a kindergarten student at Glen Haven ES vulnerably tells the group, “I need to be better able to talk to my child about race.” The school’s president of the PTA writes in the event's chat; “I think as white parents, we need to recognize that we are privileged to even have the choice about how we address this with our kids.” Another parent shares, ”An action I can take is teaching my children how not to be racist.”

The event continued with resources for just that — support for anti-racist pedagogy. “It has to be intentional, it will not happen by accident,” explained Heifetz. The group returned to the main session and explored a review of the Black Lives Matter at School week of action and year of purpose. Heifetz played an introductory video for families which highlights the history and purpose of the teacher and youth-led movement. Third grade educator, Jasmin Ukoha, led the group through a discussion of each of the Black Lives Matter 13 Guiding Principles and the ways in which she uplifts, affirms, and celebrates each of the principles within her classroom. “We have to start in our schools and weave these critical conversations into our curriculum throughout the year.” She highlighted the power of literature as a tool for these conversations and the necessary criticality in reviewing and assessing our learning materials and curriculum. 

“Whose voice is missing from the curriculum?”

There is an intentional centering of Black voices in the conversation. Ukoha stated, “We would like to honor your experiences by inviting you to share what you would like parents of other races and backgrounds to know about your experiences and the experiences of your children at school.” 

Parents proclaim their appreciation for the explicit support for the Black Lives Matter at School movement, the teachings of Black excellence and histories, and continued necessary conversations. Participants see the ways the 13 Guiding Principles are a collective tool for using language that celebrates Black families, communities, and students. 

“These principles make sure that every person is of worth, is of value,” said Heifetz. 

The event is concluded with several calls to action. School leaders encouraged participants to sign up to participate in Black Lives Matter at School week of action (and beyond), engage via social media using the hashtag #BLMatGHES, and share input on resources for future lessons and readings that celebrate and affirm the identities of their Black and Latinx students in order to deepen and sustain their commitment to this work. 

Heifetz closed the racial justice town hall with the announcement of the Black Lives Matter at School Petition to MCPS Board of Education/ “Las Vidas Negras Importan” en la Escuela Petición a la Junta de Educación de MCPS. The Glen Haven Elementary School teaching and learning community has officially launched a petition for the district’s school board of education. Parents and attendees were encouraged to sign and share the petition widely as they demand that Black Lives Matter at School. 

*Staff facilitators included assistant principal Desmond Mackall, staff development teacher Alison Gibson, reading specialist Jennifer Lucina, school counselor Rebecca Willis, and 3rd grade team leader, Jasmin Ukoha.