Education Is Key Gregory C. Hutchings, Jr., Ed.D. Andraé Townsel, Ed.D. Black Male Superintendents' Perspective on Addressing Race Relations in PK-12 Education EDUCATION By Sharon H. Porter. Ed. D. IS There has been significant shifts and attitudes and increased dialogue regarding racial profiling, racial injustices, and racial inequities, in the past four months. Protests across the nation and across the globe have sparked a newfound cry regarding police brutality among African-Americans. These conversations, while important in any space, are pivotal in PK-12 education. While I am best known educationally, for focusing on The Black Male is a heavily discussed topic in the women in education, I thought it was necessary to field of education. As black males leading a school hear from our black male educational leaders district, I felt the initial response to address the racial regarding the most recent events of the killing of tension that has been heightened since the senseless George Floyd in Minnesota. While these occurrences death of George Floyd would be an intentional are definitely not new, most can agree that it has message to their school communities. struck a chord, specifically in the black community, but also across the globe. As an elementary school principal, I simply could not sit in silence. I had to speak up and speak out to my I had an opportunity to hear from Dr. Gregory C. staff and school community. Therefore; I knew as Hutchings, Jr., Superintendent of Alexandria Public district leaders, a message of hope and support had Schools, Alexandria, Virginia and Dr. Andraé Townsel, to have been shared. Superintendent of Benton Harbor Area Schools, Benton Harbor, Michigan. I thank both, Dr. Hutchings and Dr. Townsel for taking the time to share their thoughts and actions as it J U L Y / A U G U S T 2 0 2 0 V & P M A G A Z I N E | 8 relates to this topic. An Interview with Dr. Andraé Townsel SHP: What was your general message to Let’s do it together. Our students deserve a your school community regarding the unrest prosperous future and it is up to us to shape globally regarding the death of George and secure their future. Floyd and subsequent protests? Let’s lead for excellence. AT: Dear Benton Harbor Area Schools #leading4excellence Community: SHP: How is (or how will) your school Within the last week, there has been unrest district assist students with processing these across our country due to the death of recent events? George Floyd. The unjust murder of Mr. Floyd, an unarmed African-American man in AT: We plan to hold a town hall about Minnesota, has sparked and reignited the "Being African American in Today's Society" agony that African-Americans and Black and COVID-19. We will talk about the people across the globe are experiencing. tremendous impact the recent events have We have experienced this consistent on our community and how it will shape our trauma, in America, decade after decade. future. Educational leaders will need to The mistreatment of African-Americans is stand strong with supports and services. intolerable and not acceptable. SHP: Being a black male leading a school Our U.S. Constitution tells us that all district during this time, does it children living in the United States have the affect how you lead? right to a free public education. The Constitution requires that they be given This does not affect how I lead. At all times I equal educational opportunity, period. Our am leading for excellence. I am constantly students deserve a fair chance to experience seeking the best information to successfully the benefits of life in America. And with navigate the political and educational that, we must stand firmly against racism landscape. If anything, my philosophy of and bigotry. We demand acceptance, leadership has been validated by the recent inclusion, and equity. events. I've always pointed out disproportionalities in education and We are dedicated to our students and will effectively and successfully worked to ensure that they will be afforded every address them. opportunity to thrive and excel in our global society. There should be no confusion about SHP: The nation has turned its collective what is right and what is wrong. There attention to the perpetual problem of police should be no confusion about what racism is brutality and racial profiling, predominately or is not. The solution is simple; treat of black males, even as young as 12 with Photographs courtesy of Andraé Townsel, Ed.D. people the way you want to be treated. the killing of Tamir Rice, November 22, 2014, in Ohio. What, in your opinion, is the The safety and security of the physical, role of PK-12 education and educators as social, emotional and overall well-being of we move forward? our students and staff is our number one priority. We must be intentional about how AT: The role of PK-12 education is to meet we support one another. We must be brave, the various needs of all students. For black bold, and confident in upholding the core male students, PK-12 education should values of Benton Harbor Area Schools’ ensure that it is safe to grow and develop mission and vision. We must change organically. The role of educators is to expeditiously. ensure that all students feel loved and cared for. For black male students, educators must ensure that they feel valued. J U L Y / A U G U S T 2 0 2 0 V & P M A G A Z I N E | 9 An Interview with Dr. Gregory C. Hutchings, Jr. SHP: What was your general message to your school community regarding the unrest globally regarding the death of George Floyd and subsequent protests? GH: As an African American man, the general message I continue to share has been one of a visceral reaction of Photo Courtesy of Alexandria City Public Schools extreme disappointment and not shock. In op-eds, in SHP: How is (or how will) your school district assist students with interviews, public forums and in our school processing these recent events? communications to students, staff and families, I continue to emphasize that systemic racism grips American society GH: ACPS is fortunate in that it has a hugely diverse student today as much as ever and that conversations need to population. Being a student in our school division gives our begin across our city, no matter how uncomfortable that children a valuable world view that accepts we don’t all look the makes some people. Racism has never gone away. same. We need to own, understand and denounce racism before real change can happen. Since the start of my leadership in ACPS, we have placed an emphasis on ensuring equity for all and equitable access to In the days after the death of George Floyd, I thought long opportunities as well as experiences. The battle to rid inequities and hard about the message I should send to the school in education is front and center of everything we do. Public community and the community of Alexandria at large. I education is a contributing factor to systemic racism throughout chose to record a personal video message in the first our country. Therefore much work around normalizing the instance in which I shared my thoughts, told my story and discussion about racism is essential within ACPS to address the issued a clarion call to change the narrative in this country awful truth of our educational foundation. to one in which every life was valued. I shared the perspective of myself as a father raising a young black man This equity work means that administrators already have some of and how it feels to fear for the safety of your child just the tools needed to be able to pivot to discussions about George because of the color of his skin. Floyd, the subsequent riots and protest with relative ease in an age appropriate manner. However, we must extend our In America today, I still walk into stores acutely aware that professional learning and explicitly focus on racial equity which I am being watched as if I am going to steal; witness is the root of our issues. women clutch their purses when I enter an elevator; and sense the stares when walking in a certain neighborhood We also have teachers versed in restorative circles and practices as if I do not live there. Some people are uncomfortable, who are able to utilize these techniques to bring about afraid, and suspicious of me simply for being Black. This is discussions in a safe and familiar space. Our counseling team has my reality and I want people to understand that it should also extended their services to our staff and students as we all not be tolerated. grapple with these most recent events. Anti-racism resources, (books, websites, etc) have been compiled and shared to help support our parents as they navigate this as well. While our staff and administrators undertake training in this area, we need to continue to shine a light on every corner that may harbor overt or covert racism. It is imperative that we provide anti-racism training for ALL employees and ensure that we establish an anti-racist culture within ACPS. Our textbooks and history lessons must provide accurate information about the founding principles of our country and share the ugly truth of the Black struggle. We must educate our students on all aspects of the lives of our “American Heroes” including their racist beliefs and inhumane actions.