Hello Families:

We are proud to dedicate our first Asynchronous Review Day to the theme of Inauguration Day! The affirmational impact on our scholars of the election of a Black woman and daughter of immigrant parents to the vice presidency cannot be understated. As herself proclaimed, she may be a famous first but, “I won’t be the last.”

The 2021 Inauguration will take place this upcoming Wednesday, January 20 at 11am outside the US Capitol building, the very place where the results of a fair & free election were challenged with racist violence – an election whose results must and will be upheld. Most major news networks will be broadcasting live coverage on television at this time, and will also be streaming via their YouTube channels.

Please note that asynchronous assignments will be posted on this day, and should still be completed. With live classes not in session, we encourage you to replace this time typically spent in morning instructional blocks to watching the ceremony. We have also created the optional activity list below for both you and your scholar(s) to engage with as you reflect, learn, and look forward to 2021 & beyond. We hope you enjoy this historical moment with your scholar and family!

Livestream Access When: Wednesday, January 20th / 11:00 AM

Streaming Options: ● C-SPAN ● NPR ● YouTube ● The Additional Activities Video Content History Channel – What happens on In this video, the rituals & events of all Inauguration Days past and Inauguration Day? (2:03) present are outlined.

ABC News – Inaugurations Past & Present Changes to this American tradition over the centuries are (2:47) highlighted, including where the ceremonies take place and who is invited. Washington Post – Moments in Inaugural This clip outlines a chronology of excerpts from inaugural speeches History (3:14) over the years, starting from the first one captured on film over 120 years ago. President Obama’s Inaugural Address This video contains President Obama’s 2009 speech in full, in which (21:21) he famously honors, “choosing hope over fear,” to “endure what storms may come.” ABC News – ’s Legacy This ode to FLOTUS reflects upon her time in the White House, (6:18) both triumphs and challenges. There are also clips from Mrs. Obama’s last public appearance in her role in which she reminds us that, “this country belongs to you,” and to, “empower yourself with a good education.” TIME – Person of the Year: & President-elect Joe Biden and Vice President-elect speak on why they Kamala Harris (7:17) ran, and how they are planning to effect change in office. CNBC TV – Debut of Vice President-elect Watch Kamala Harris’s first speech to the nation as VP-elect, where Kamala Harris (11:30) she opens with a tribute to John Lewis himself and affirms that though she may be the first woman in this office, “I won’t be the last.” The Life of Stacey Abrams (6:49) The life of Ms. Abrams, founder of Fair Fight Action, is shared along with her vision & path to restoring voters’ rights in Georgia - thus securing a Biden-Harris victory and building enduring electoral power in the South. BBC News – : The BLM Co-founder Alicia Garza connects and situates her movement Future of the Movement (7:12) work within the context of this recent election, and previews where organizers are going next. Text Content “Election 2020: A Look Back” from Days after the presidential election, a law professor reflects on Scholastic Kid Press democracy in America. “Kamala Harris Makes History” from Children across the nation share their perspectives on Kamala Scholastic Kid Press Harris’ historic win. “Madam Vice President is a Woman of An educator shares her take on the inspirational impact this Madam Color” from Teaching Tolerance VP has on herself and her students.

“Kamala Harris: The Many Identities of the This biographical article explores Ms. Harris’ identities, experiences, First Woman Vice President” from BBC and accomplishments as a politician. News “10 Things You May Not Know About Unique facts about the life & passions of Ms. Harris are listed and Kamala Harris” from Biography.com celebrated.

“The Long History of Black Women This report connects the work of Black women organizing in the Organizing in Georgia” from Washington South, specifically Georgia, and their impact on this past presidential Post election. “Letter to President-Elect Joe Biden and Patrisse Cullors, a co-founder of the Black Lives Matter movement, Vice President-Elect Kamala Harris” from enumerates Black-centered demands for this upcoming Black Lives Matter administration.