School boards and state legislatures have been roiled this year with attacks on anti-racist education and truth-telling in schools, designed by right-wing strategists and carried out on the ground predominantly by white parents. By flooding public meetings, elected officials’ email inboxes and the news media with a frenzy of fear for their children, the right wing has created a national narrative that white parents don’t want their children to learn about racism.
But many parents believe that their children must learn the truth about how history and present-day systems keep racism in place. Anti-racist parents don’t want the same whitewashed version of American history and culture that they were taught. They want children to grapple with the complex story of brutality and struggle, unity and resilience, that can shape young adults ready to play their own role in America’s striving for equity and justice.
This training is aimed at parents and caregivers who want to contest the right-wing narrative by voicing why they want their children to learn the truth about racism and inequality. Participants will learn how to write a compelling op-ed to influence local decision-makers and the public narrative. After the workshop, limited office hours will be available for editing support.
This training is organized and led by Narrative Initiative, Showing Up for Racial Justice, the Women’s March, 22nd Century Initiative, and NYU Metro Center. All are welcome to attend.