Since 1866, Juneteenth has centered radical joy and serves as a reminder of what is at stake, and how critical our movements for liberation are.
As we continue to reflect on the emancipation of our ancestors and hold space for our joy, we must reflect on the work that remains and recommit to our shared liberation—our eyes fixed on the promise of a just and equitable America.
Our young people are at the forefront of those confronting the challenges we face and are among the clearest voices calling to dismantle our entrenched systems of oppression. From our homes to our churches, to our schools, young Black folks from all walks of life have picked up the mantle of organizing, calling for policies that center their humanity.
Black students deserve to learn in environments that support their healing and success. When students enter a classroom, they should be able to show up exactly as they are and be poured into by educators and trauma-informed staff who share their lived experience. But when our students show up in the classroom, they are too often seen as threats that need to be policed.
Source: Rep. Ayanna Pressley: We Need to Talk About Healing and Liberation for Black Students
