Black Lives Matter: An Honest Letter From Me to You
I debated whether I wanted to write anything. I am typically not the most vocal and can be private at times. Even more, I struggled to put into words what I was feeling.
In the past 48 hours, I have had conversations with friends living in D.C. who are afraid for their safety. I have spoken to loved ones in Minnesota who continually go out and protest for change. I have been impacted by the arrest and arraignment of a friend in Brooklyn and the disproportionate media attention he has received in comparison to his share of culpability.
However, I have also been heartened by friends who have texted, emailed, and called to check-in. I watched the dance community, with its long history of racism and exclusion, take steps forward to call attention to systematic oppression in its #blackouttuesday and #balletrelevesforblacklives campaigns.
Even more, I have had students engage me this week in conversations, from prospective law school students on the impact this is having on their conviction to use the law to create more equity and give voice to those who have been silenced, to 9th and 10th grade students trying to make sense of the blatant inconsistencies in this country between the values they were taught and the injustices on display.
I stand with the protestors and those who are risking their safety, not only to bring attention to the killings of Breonna Taylor, Ahmaud Arbery, and George Floyd, but also to bring about structural change. These events are nuanced and the feelings surrounding them can vary from anger, numbness, and sadness, to even confusion.
To my students, I want you to know that I see you and I hear you.
Even with everything going on, I feel it is important to continue doing the educational consulting work I’ve been called to do. Sessions scheduled with students will continue, although I want all of my students to know that it is okay if they need to cancel for whatever reason. I am also here to listen during the sessions if any students feel they need to talk during their time.
Parents may find the following resources, shared by the Potomac and Chesapeake Association for College Admission Counseling (PCACAC), on talking to students about race helpful, as well as the following Facebook and zoom conversations with Dr. Kira Banks, creator of Raising Equity, and Dr. Beverly Daniel Tatum, author of Why Are All the Black Kids Sitting Together in the Cafeteria?: And Other Conversations About Race.
Episode 1: https://www.facebook.com/DrKiraBanks/videos/3163881693633440/
Episode 2: June 3rd at 7pm EST/4pm PST at www.facebook.com/DrKiraBanks and on Zoom (https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89264673733)
As always, I am only an email or a phone call away.
Please continue to stay safe and healthy.
From my heart to yours,
Sydney Montgomery
S. Montgomery Admissions Consulting
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Some of the Resources Referenced Above: