Dear Members,
“This is no time for us to look away,” NEA President, Lily Eskelsen Garcia, speaking regarding Black Lives Matter. “As a union of 3 million educators, stretching across the country, to every community, we have an obligation to act. Together we will continue the call for justice and to hold powerful people to account.”
As the MVTA E-board we want to make sure that we take the time to address what happened following the death of George Floyd. His death is more than just the death of one individual. Police injustice has also occurred right here in El Monte, as well as other places across our country. So, as we can see it is not impacting just one group, it is impacting our entire society. However, at this point in time we want to show support for Black Lives Matter. Please join us in recognizing that an injustice to one is an injustice to all!
We also want to share the information from CTA about Juneteenth and more activism regarding this celebration. You should have already received this information via email:
Juneteenth: Celebrations, Actions
Friday, June 19, is Juneteenth, a 155-year-old holiday celebrating black people and culture and the emancipation of African Americans from slavery in the United States. The day is recognized by 47 states and Washington, D.C., but is still not a national holiday. This year, during a time of widespread protests against systemic racism and police brutality, many businesses have announced they will recognize Juneteenth as a paid company holiday. Learn more about Juneteenth here.
Take part in actions to proclaim Black Lives Matter on Juneteenth and through the weekend as part of national days of action anchored by the Movement for Black Lives. Find an action near you – or a virtual event – here.
More activism:
· Show your support and pride for our young people by adding your name to NEA/AFT’s letter to students, who are fighting for what is righteous and just and challenging us to do more every day.
· Educators, with their middle and high school students, can join the Virtual Student Support Circle: Institutional Racism & Implicit Bias, hosted by the California Department of Education and Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond, Thursday, June 18, 4-5:30 p.m. Students from across the state will speak of their experiences and practical solutions to institutional racism and implicit bias in public schools. Join via Zoom (register in advance) or Facebook Live; view the recorded event on the CDE website.
Register for CTA's webinar Being an Anti-Racist Educator, June 23, 4-5 p.m. Facilitated by CTA's Equity Team, we will explore what being an anti-racist educator means, what it looks like, and how to deal with push-back and obstacles.
During these difficult times it is normal to not feel normal. We have to make sure that we are not ignoring how we are feeling and reach out for support. Michelle Earle has been sending out LACOE daily positives, which have some great suggestions regarding ways to address how we are feeling. As always we want to encourage you to feel free to reach out to any of your e-board members with any suggestions or ideas of how we can better support this movement.
We are all in this together, stay strong and be safe. Have a wonderful summer!
President: Laura Gaber, Lgabermvta@gmail.com (562)822-8400
Vice President: Leticia Urias, Luriasmvta@gmail.com (626)826-0885
Secretary: Jacquella Payne, nurseangel1@gmail.com (909)992-8268
Treasurer: Maria Frias, Ms.MariaFrias@gmail.com (909)437-4721
Member at Large: Jenny Siebel, jsiebel8@gmail.com (626)374-4331
Member at Large: Ruby Huesca, huescaruby@gmail.com (626)941-5637