Diane M.

I have been against racism my entire life. Growing up in inner-city Chicago, I was a first-hand witness to the city’s segregation of neighborhoods, especially by race. It appeared as “normal” to me as a young child, but that sense of “normal” was quickly eroded by education experiences in elementary school that included the true history of Native Americans, The Holocaust, The Civil Rights Movement, and the Slave Trade, as well as witnessing first-hand experiences of hate and racism around me. These learning experiences led me to become a teacher myself. I am sure to include these important teachings with all students I work with, regardless of the subject, but that is not all. Since the early 2000’s I have become an advocate for the BIPOC of my community. I have continued to learn and grow and realize that it is not enough to be against racism, but that antiracism is essential for progress. It is essential to myself, my family, my neighbors, my community, my nation, and the world at large. It is essential to be the change we wish to see in the world. It is also an honor and privilege to do so.