Updated:

African American and Latino communities join join forces

By
 and 
942
0

Latest

African American and Latino Students and Community Protest at Richmond, VA School Board Meeting in July. PHOTO/WAYSIDE CENTER FOR POPULAR EDUCATION 2013
African American and Latino Students and Community Protest at Richmond, VA School Board Meeting in July.
PHOTO/WAYSIDE CENTER FOR POPULAR EDUCATION 2013

 
 
Editors note: Idalia Alvarez and Jessica Osornio are Wayside summer interns and Richmond Public School students who helped organize the events described.
FABER, VA — On July 15, two different causes joined forces at the school board meeting to fight against injustices. Groups from mainly Latino and African-American communities, came together to fight against school closings, segregation and discrimination in the schools. Each group supported the other in their demands and showed how communities can come together in solidarity with each other.
Students from Huguenot High School returned for a second time to demand equal treatment for all students, and for neutral interpreters. They also want threats against students based on their immigration status to stop. Students and parents want a welcoming and inclusive environment. Huguenot High School students also wanted the school board to know that they don’t accept the Multicultural Task Force (which formed in response to their protest) because it does not include the people directly affected.
The Richmond Coalition for Quality Education came to let the school board know that they want all schools to remain open. They oppose Option C because that measure separates kids by race and they want segregation to stop in schools! They want schools to be more open to diversity and integration of races.
One of the kids present at the protest talked about how he doesn’t want to change schools because the school he attends currently is a good school and welcomes all students. A mother also decided to speak up for her child, and she demanded the schools stay open.
At a press conference outside and during the public comment session inside, each group supported and amplified the demands of the other, making a greater impact than either could have alone.
This is only a little of what can come from joined communities. Yet it still makes a big difference just by seeing how two groups that are the target of discrimination and oppression can still stand strong!
See more at: http://www.waysidecenter.org/african-american-and-latino-communities-join-forces-at-school-board-meeting-demand-better-conditions-for-all/#sthash.NbzJTcO5.dpuf

+ Articles by this author
+ Articles by this author

The People’s Tribune opens its pages to voices of the movement for change. Our articles are written by individuals or organizations, along with our own reporting. Bylined articles reflect the views of the authors. Articles entitled “From the Editors” reflect the views of the editorial board. Please credit the source when sharing: peoplestribune.org. Please donate to help us keep bringing you voices of the movement for change. Click here. We’re all volunteer, no paid staff. The People’s Tribune is a 501C4 organization.

Featured

Maureen Taylor, Michigan Welfare Rights -

Progressives? Conservatives? Left? Right? Who Do They All Represent?

The billionare class paints the economy as very good based on rising stock market episodes that don’t filter down to most blue-collar people. Let’s concentrate our efforts on those fighting for the needs of the many.
Indira Treon-Mutuma -

A Somali Perspective on Life in Minnesota

The words “Nobody wants you here,” may have been directed at one Somali family, but they do not define Minnesota’s Somali community. By listening to the voices of Somalis themselves, a different story emerges, one of belonging, resilience, and community.
Alexandria McKenzie -

50 Years Later: The Man Who Refused to Let Allensworth Disappear

While a historical site cannot bring back the haven of possibility that the town of Allensworth in the state of California once was, its presence forces a reckoning for anyone it reaches — a ceaseless act of resistance in itself.
From the Editors, People's Tribune -

ICE Killings Are Increasing, But So is the Resistance

If we allow ICE, as a servant of the powerful, to kill or deport our working class sisters and brothers then we are not only immoral, we’re setting ourselves up to be next in line for the detention centers.
From the Editors, People's Tribune -

Message to Congressional Black Caucus On Endorsement of AIPAC Funded Candidate

The Black vote is key to winning Democratic Party elections. Today, in MI and nationwide, African Americans are expressing abandonment by a Party that funds candidates who do not represent their interests, as seen in Michigan’s Senate race.

More from the People's Tribune