Statement of love, solidarity, and commitment
Today we lift up the life of Tyre Nichols, who was killed by police in Memphis. We encourage you to take a moment today to hold the light that shone from Tyre. His life matters. All Black lives matter.
Tyre’s death, another Black life lost to state violence, is directly relevant to the work we do in pursuing a vision of education justice in Durham. Police violence is a symptom of systemic racism that is woven into the fabric of our country - from systems of public safety to systems of public education.
Below, we share our thoughts and some resources on what it looks like to lean into that work. But first, we are sharing two poems with you in response to Tyre’s death.
We share these two poems not to endorse every idea that could be taken from them, but rather as powerful testaments made by men of color expressing their own responses to this latest death. Some of the sentiments expressed in these poems may make you uncomfortable and you may disagree with them. That is okay. Sitting with discomfort and wrestling with what you see as the path of progress is the work we must all do.
Saul Williams
Defund the emotional insecurity that makes men crave power through uniform expressions of violence upheld by a patriarchal fiction that promotes fear-based faith in invisible men.
Defund the National past time that pits brutal force against intellectual curiosity and shames feelings as getting in the way.
Defund all “good ol’ boy” networks where the trick of belonging is a petty disregard of virulent consequence.
Abolish the fantasy that men with uniforms will stand beholden to the nakedness they share with those without. What they hold in common is all but a license to kill and a desire to be respected for a badge that knows no shame.
When men gather in their insolence, form bonds that break ribs before breaking rank and file allegiance to protecting the rights of those who once listed me as their property
I, too, will call for my mother.
Beau Sia
GENTLE
is the son others debate
to absolve themselves.
is the boy calling out for
his mother one last time.
is the black man mourned
by those who loved him.
is the father made symbol
while his child left in loss.
is the human who should
be with us. with us all.
As part of the DPS Foundation community, you are a part of our collective movement for education justice.
This work we’re in together is about creating a shared vision for a different world, committing to the life-long unlearning of white supremacy, and showing up to build something different together.
This work is about…
Creating a shared vision for a different world: We believe in a world that is more gentle. A world where everyone has the freedom that comes from being free from harm. Durham-based Spirit House provides a powerful framework for what communities free from harm look like and what it takes to build them.
Committing to the life-long unlearning of white supremacy: You will hear us say over and over that we have to know our history before we can advance true progress. This podcast is a great place to start learning about the history of policing in the United States that will put into context the types of changes being called for now.
Showing up to build something different together: Our public schools have a critical role to play in dismantling systemic racism and building toward a future where everyone in our community not only lives free from harm, but has the freedom to dream and thrive.
At DPSF, we are committed to maintaining hope, to creating vision for public schools alongside students and families and educators, to listening and unlearning and learning anew, and to building something different. While we know the road towards realizing a vision of a just society and equitable public education system is long, our Community Schools and WHOLE Schools efforts exemplify what this work looks like in action. These school models center on education justice, ensuring schools are safe, healthy and nurturing environments bolstered by shared leadership and community partnerships that enable every student to reach their full potential.
Thank you for being a part of the education justice movement in Durham.
With love and solidarity,
The DPSF Team