One
hope that I have when I think about working with children and families who come
from diverse backgrounds is that one day soon ALL people will receive the opportunities
and resources needed to reach their true and unique potential. Everyone
deserves the chance to develop, thrive, succeed, and contribute in life.
One
goal that I would like to set for the field is to have every early childhood
professional take a pledge to truly get to know, understand and embrace the
unique and diverse cultures of the children and families they serve. Knowing
about anti-bias education is not enough…we must use our knowledge to enlighten
others and stand up for children and families who experience the hurtful affects
of prejudices, stereotypes, bias and institutional-isms. Together, we can
create change!
I
would like to thank all of my colleagues in this course on diversity, equity
and social justice for encouraging me to go beyond my comfort zone and ask the
difficult questions (requiring deep reflection) that led to a better
understanding of, and appreciation for anti-bias education.
I
would like to thank Louise Derman-Sparks and Julie Olsen Edwards for sharing
this quote:
“We find these
joys to be self-evident: That all children are created whole, endowed with
innate intelligence, with dignity and wonder, worthy of respect. The embodiment
of life, liberty, and happiness, children are original blessings, here to learn
their own song. Every girl and boy is entitled to love, to dream, and belong to
a loving “village.” And to pursue a life of purpose.
-Raffi,
“A Covenant for Honoring Children”
Christine,
ReplyDeleteWhen you spoke of enlightening and standing up for children and families who experience prejudice, I found the following quotes that address some affects of prejudice. I hope you like them. Best wishes.
“Prejudice is a burden that confuses the past, threatens the future and renders the present inaccessible.” -Maya Angelou
“If people are informed they will do the right thing. It's when they are not informed that they become hostages to prejudice.” -Charlayne Hunter-Gault
“The worst thing about that kind of prejudice... is that while you feel hurt and angry and all the rest of it, it feeds you self-doubt. You start thinking, perhaps I am not good enough.”- Nina Simone
Christine,
ReplyDeleteThe quote you shared is a wonderful example of what we all strive to provide for the children that we work with. Our course work has helped open our eyes to the ways in which equity and diversity have a role in accomplishing this goal. Thank you for your support throughout this course. It certainly wasn't easy, however it was eased by working with educators like you.