MOVING THE NEEDLE: During Black History Month, remember with me

During Black History Month, remember with me

BY DR. TIFFANY TYLER

February commemorates Black History Month. As we celebrate the legacy and richness of African-American culture in the United States, I am reminded of the many juggernauts and institutions that have undergirded academic achievement and education. This month, I ask you to join me in honoring this rich legacy by remembering.

Remember the words of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., who noted, “Education must enable a man to become more efficient, to achieve with increasing facility the legitimate goals of his life.”

As we support children in schools across our community, I ask you to join me in supporting Dr. King’s belief that education facilitates each and every child reaching their life goals.

In this vein, I also ask you to remember the words of Dr. Ron Edmonds, who said, “We can, whenever and wherever we choose, successfully teach all children whose schooling is of interest to us.”

Again, I ask you to join me in taking interest. The journey of successfully educating our youth will require our sustained commitment to understanding the nuances and barriers to educating children in today’s society. It requires an interest characterized by sustained engagement, thoughtful advocacy, and informed practice.

As we remember, may we also recollect the words of Mary McLeod Bethune: “We have a powerful potential in our youth, and we must have the courage to change old ideas and practices so that we may direct their power toward good ends.”

This notion of having the courage to change old ideas and practices is at the core of many contemporary education issues and debates. One case in point is the call to address Nevada’s education funding formula. Many argue that we must address funding adequacy and equity if we are to aid our youth in realizing their academic potential. Similarly, others argue that we must address school safety if we are to ensure the conditions needed for children to thrive. Still others highlight the need to address poverty as we seek to help children realize their potential.

While the journey of educating children will likely require each of these issues to be addressed, I ask that we remember the ideals at the center of each of these quotes. With a continued resolve, may we remember the purpose of education and the interest needed to educate and realize the potential of our children.

Please remember with me!