6/9/2022

My Dear Friend & POTUS, JRB,

            Yesterday was a magical day for me. I renewed professional connections of personal significance. Former students expressed their appreciation. Best of all I witnessed the launch of a new generation of educators, ready to make a difference in schools. As you said in your appearance on the Jimmy Kimmel show last night, these folk are “the best educated, least prejudiced, most giving generation in American history. This generation is going to change everything. We just have to make sure we don’t give up.” Thanks for sharing that message of optimism.

            Speaking of messages, I just heard Barbabos PM Mia Amor Mottley (MAM) telling KDH about her country’s pride in Shirley Chisolm’s (SAC) message about “equality of opportunity and protection of the vulnerable.” SAC attributes her elementary school experience in Barbados with giving her the “spirit & spunk to challenge all of the age-old traditions & not to be afraid of anyone.” Wouldn’t it be great if all African-Americans felt that way about their schooling?

            I hope you will take the time to speak with MAM at the Summit of Americas today. I think you will learn more from her than you will learn from Jair Bolsonaro (JB). I suggest you can keep your interaction with JB brief, since he probably won’t be in office much longer. MAM has lots of ideas about CCC, CV & fighting poverty. Please listen to her!

            In case you haven’t heard, the news from Myanmar continues to be depressing. A World Health Organization worker was shot as he was riding his motorbike home. The WP opines that the junta’s plan to assassinate activist “throws the remaining possibility of restoring a democratic transition into the abyss.” Please share this message with the world.

            BYBS,

            RCA