Perspectives — Celebrating Black History Month
By Children Rising
February 2, 2023
The Power, Struggle, and Joy of Black Resistance in the Fight for Equality
Special Contribution by Gwen Stephens, former Succeeding by Reading clinic coordinator and current tutor at Children Rising
Black History Month is a vital opportunity for all of us to seek to understand the past from a different point of view—to see through someone else’s eyes.
Each February, we celebrate Black History Month. This year’s theme is “Black Resistance.” Understanding our history—and the role Black resistance has played in our country’s past—helps us understand where we are now. Just as importantly, it allows us to overcome adversity and oppression and plot a course for where we are moving as a society.
The course we plot—toward true freedom and equality—is long and full of heartbreaking turns. My heart is heavy today as we mourn the loss of Tyre Nichols. It was tragic and needless.
“Understanding our history…allows us to overcome adversity and oppression and plot a course for where we are moving as a society.”
As a black mother of sons, this travesty cuts deeply. I am frustrated, angry, and filled with sorrow. I have trouble sleeping. Tyre looks like the young men in my family. I wish that I knew a socially acceptable way of screaming and screaming. I wonder how my ancestors endured even harder circumstances than these. But my ancestors did not give up, and I will not either. My ancestors drew strength from each other and from their faith. For today, we weep, we mourn, we lament. It is a stage that must be acknowledged and lived.
Will you complete HER Circle of Care?
Through one-on-one reading and math tutoring, and family support, you will nurture an eager child in a circle of care so they may succeed in school.
Will you complete HER Circle of Care?
Through one-on-one reading and math tutoring, and family support, you will nurture an eager child in a circle of care so they may succeed in school.
Though weeping may endure for a night, joy will come in the morning. We will resist our feelings of inadequacy, hopelessness, and despair. We will find renewed hope for the journey.
Movements to improve racial equality wax and wane over and over. “During the Civil Rights movement of the 60s I somehow thought that full fairness and equality could be realized in my lifetime.”
Photo by Unseen Histories on Unsplash
I have seen movements to improve racial equality wax and wane over and over. During the Civil Rights movement of the 60s, I somehow thought that full fairness and equality could be realized in my lifetime. I have to admit, though, that while there have been some improvements, much remains to be done.
I understand Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. when he said, “How long, Lord, how long?” Then I remember the quote by John Lewis. He said, “Ours is not the struggle of one day, one week, or one year. Ours is the struggle of a lifetime, or maybe even many lifetimes, and each one of us in every generation must do our part.” (Across That Bridge: A Vision for Change and the Future of America.) So, we constantly must find ways to strengthen our hope and passion for this work, no matter how long we have strived!
“Ours is not the struggle of one day, one week, or one year. Ours is the struggle of a lifetime, or maybe even many lifetimes, and each one of us in every generation must do our part.”—Rep. John Lewis
Although no one person can affect all the changes the world needs and is longing for, I can do this small work—teaching an eager young child to read—with confidence and joy.
Participating in the Children Rising reading program, which is so very well designed and administered, has helped me renew my passion for this work. I currently tutor two delightful students. In just a few sessions, I have seen hope and confidence grow within them. They are excited to learn, excited to share, and are surprised and happy when they see their progress. Watching the steady love and care offered by the tutors inspires me. This one thing I know—although no one person can affect all the changes the world needs and is longing for, I can do this small work with confidence and joy.
Where else can a person receive such a return on investment in such a short amount of time?
Thank you, Children Rising, for providing this opportunity for so many.
Black resistance and the civil rights movement continue. Human nature is such that oppression will always be with us. With love, compassion, and joy in our hearts, we can inspire others to be part of Black resistance.
Yes, I can empower a child to become a lifelong learner.
I want to learn more about online reading or math clinics to see if tutoring is right for me!
About the author:
Gwen Stephens has been an educator for five decades. Helping struggling children read is her joy and passion. Gwen served as a Succeeding by Reading clinic coordinator from 2013 until her recent retirement. Before that, she taught in the Alameda Unified School District for 42 years as a classroom teacher, reading intervention teacher, and mentor to new teachers. In 2005 she was named Teacher of the Year in the City of Alameda. She currently serves as a Succeeding by Reading volunteer tutor.
