‘I stand with hope,’ says teacher

Latest

Youth and others at the March for Our Lives protest to end gun violate in the schools. Washington, D.C.
PHOTO/ERIK MCGREGOR

 
Today a high school was the scene of yet another horrific and despicable parade of violence.
Also today 900 high schoolers gathered in Walt Disney Concert Hall to become a powerful force of beauty through song.
Today Flint remains without water, Puerto Rico without power, unarmed black men are still being shot by police, and bullets pour through students’ bodies like lead rivers. Guys. What have we done?
Today I stared out into the darkened concert hall and saw 900 lights piercing the blackness. “See how they shine,” they sang. “Like a bridge over troubled water,” they roared, “I will lay me down.”
In spite of the overwhelming ugliness, I still believe in beauty. Maybe there’s a bullet out there with my name on it. Till then, I stand with hope.
— From a Facebook post by Jessie Flasschoen, a high school choir director. Used with permission.
 

March for Our Lives, Washington, D.C.
PHOTO/SHANTEL MITCHELL BREEN

 

+ 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

Resistance is Challenging Grip of AIPAC on Congress

The pro-Israel AIPAC lobby is one of the most powerful lobbies in the country, but its influence over our elections and Congress is increasingly being challenged by candidates and voters.

Angie Nixon, Senate Candidate for Florida, Resolves Capitol Protest Case

Florida US Senate candidate Angie Dixon is no longer facing a prison sentence, having resolving resolved the case brought against her by Florida authorities, after she was arrested for trying to meet with Florida's governor about their redistricting plan.

ICE Shooting of Austin Delivery Man Sparks Outrage

Austin shooting came 10 weeks after ICE agent fatally shot Lorenzo Salgado Araujo in Houston, whch followed a series of shootings involving ICE, including the killing of US citizens Renée Good and Alex Pretti in MN. Austin community protests arose immediately with renewed calls to Abolish ICE.

Americans Have No Constitutional Right to Clean Drinking Water Ruled Appellate Court

Americans do not have the constitutional right to clean drinking water, ruled the 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, following a lawsuit alleging the negligence of the City of Jackson resulted in children having lead poisoning.

Musk Builds Polluting Data Centers in Poorest Black Communities

Tennessee State Rep. Justin Pearson asks, “Why aren’t we making polluters pay for being in Memphis and Shelby County?”

More from the People's Tribune