We Educate Miami

On this day in history…June 1st, 1831 The British explorer James Clark Ross discovers the North Magnetic Pole. It is the location where the Earth's magnetic field points directly downwards. It lies in the vicinity of the Geographic North Pole.

Also, in 1979: The first black-led government of Rhodesia in 90 years takes power, signaling the end of British colonial rule. The country’s name was changed to Zimbabwe Rhodesia.

The Miami Herald opined about the absurdity of the Governor’s position   on Civics standards: DeSantis and the GOP are Posing as patriots and  don’t want children to learn about racism 

On this Day:  On this day in history… May 25th…we celebrate Asian American and Pacific Islander Month, which is the month of May starting with questions and answers with Texas A&M professor Vanita Reddy, published yesterday in the college newspaper (https://today.tamu.edu/2021/05/24/understanding-asian-american-and-pacific-islander-heritage-month/) 

For more on this topic, we refer to The Labor Toolkit on Anti-Asian Racism from the Asian Pacific American Labor Alliance, AFL-CIO. You can download it from  www.apalanet.org 

Critical race theory — a broad set of ideas about systemic bias and privilege — might have its roots in legal academia, but it is fast becoming one of the more explosive flashpoints in America’s state legislatures.

They say the unemployed don’t want to work. That’s not quite true. (Sun Sentinel today)

https://www.sun-sentinel.com/business/fl-bz-unemployed-look-forward-20210525-52cnjmgkzrflzn4ckex37yqydm-story.html

Florida’s move to strip away people’s federal unemployment benefits appears unlikely to drive packs of workers back to low-paying jobs, especially at restaurants and tourist destinations.

There is limited evidence to prove the prevailing political argument that workers are staying home in droves to collect free money. In reality, many people are changing careers to escape historically low pay. Others are sick of the way their previous employers treated them, or they’re wary of what some consider reckless precautions against COVID-19.

Reminder Summer School expanding—start making plans now. “Summer 305” runs from June 14 - August 20, 2021, and will provide stimulating, fun, and challenging courses, both in-person at 179 schools, and virtually for students in grades Pre-Kindergarten through 12th.

Registration is online now at summer305.dadeschools.net or just go to dadeschools.net to find it. Registration will take place at the school site that is hosting the summer program.  You can find the program selection form at dadeschools.net, which is due back June 9th so you have a few weeks, but now is the time to make plans. 

May 18 is Haitian Flag Day, which celebrates the creation of the Flag of Haiti and revolution in Haiti that got its people freedom from France and set the precedent for slave uprisings in the US. The day is celebrated each year on the 18th of May, which is the anniversary of the date of the flag's adoption in 1803. From https://www.blackpast.org/global-african-history/haitian-revolution-1791-1804/ 

In the wake of George Floyd’s killing, there have been calls for defunding police departments and demands for the removal of statues. The issue of reparations for slavery has also resurfaced, writes Marlene Daut, Professor of African Diaspora Studies, University of Virginia (https://www.theafricareport.com/32162/when-haiti-paid-france-for-freedom-the-greatest-heist-in-history/)

Janitors Get Organized in South Florida. A workforce largely composed of immigrants and women of color is fighting to organize a union after facing low wages, poor conditions and lax safety protections during the pandemic. (May 15, 2021 Michael Sainato  THE GUARDIAN (https://portside.org/2021-05-15/janitors-get-organized-south-florida)

Every parent wants the best education for their child. But even with the money available, how should parents who may be considering sending their children to private schools, know to make educated choices about what will be in their students’ best interests? The State Department of Education has a list of questions to be considered by parents that provide a stark contrast between some private schools and our public schools at http://www.fldoe.org/schools/school-choice/private-schools/choosing-a-private-school.stml

On this Day:  On this day in history… May 11… 1894. The Pullman Strike by workers of the American Railway Union started. (from https://www.history.com/topics/holidays/labor-day-1) 

Today many Americans see Labor Day as time off from work, an opportunity to enjoy a barbecue with friends and family and a final moment of summertime relaxation before the busy fall season begins. 

But the history behind the Labor Day holiday is far more complex and dramatic than most might realize, starting with a heated campaign by workers in the late 19th century to win support and recognition for their contributions. In July 1894, President Grover Cleveland finally signed into law legislation creating a national Labor Day holiday in early September—even as federal troops in Chicago brutally crushed a strike by railroad and Pullman sleeping car company workers, leaving some 30 people dead.

Take Action to support Students and Public Education in Florida

Go to www.utd.org and click on the first slider on the page, which says “Take Action” to send a letter to the Miami-Dade and Broward County legislative delegations in support of public education. Let me tell you why we are asking for this outreach: 

The 2021 regular legislative session ended on April 30th, but legislators are coming back for a special session the week of May 17th. The sole focus of this special session will be addressing a gaming compact with the Seminole Tribe of Florida. This compact is expected to generate billions of dollars in new revenue. We must raise our collective voices to fight for that revenue to be dedicated to Florida’s students and public education. 

Florida still ranks 43rd in the nation for education funding, meaning Florida’s students and educators are being shortchanged. The new Florida Seminole Compact provides an opportunity to increase support for Florida’s students and, in turn, Florida’s future.

The revenue from the new Florida Seminole Compact can ensure that public education is not robbed of the opportunity to impact communities and expand educational resources. 

The expected $500 million from the new Florida Seminole Compact gives the legislature a second chance to support its students and public education by supplementing, not supplanting, the holes in the education budget.

Please support children, education, and teachers. 

Go to https://actionnetwork.org/letters/invest-in-floridas-students-and-public-education/  to send a letter to the Miami-Dade and Broward County legislative delegations in support of public education. 

Our public schools and our students are already losing money going to private schools and the governor is giving more away…

“Once again, our legislature continues to defund public education and gamble away our children’s future at the hands of for-profit companies. This past year, our public schools have faced unprecedented challenges. Instead of focusing on funding the schools that teach over 90% of Florida’s students, our legislature opted to funnel more public dollars into private and for-profit schools, many of which, like Centner Academy, fail to follow the high safety and academic standards that are required for our districts. Public education is the cornerstone of any functioning democracy and ensuring equitable access to high-quality funded public schools is a constitutional obligation that they are failing to fulfill. It is a shame our legislature fails to understand the value of public education and its role in supporting our children’s future.”

On this Day:  Since today is May the 4th, we should make brief welcome for fans of Star Wars that today is the unofficial “May the Fourth Be With You Day” when devotees of the intergalactic battle between good and evil cheer on Luke and Leia and Han against the evil forces of Darth Vader and the repressive empire. The challenges of the ongoing pandemic these days make a deep dive into the fantasy universe of "Star Wars" just right. And, thanks to the efforts of a devoted fan base and the movie machine behind the series alike, May 4 is just the day to do it. The day was made for a punning slogan: "May the Fourth be with you."

But more importantly, when we think about all the writers, actors, producers, file crews, and creative talent who brought Star Wars what do you think is the occupation that encouraged them to follow their paths in life? Well teachers of course! So today we hope the force is strong with our teachers as we celebrate Teachers’ Appreciation Day in the midst of Teachers Appreciation Week, because just one day really doesn’t do it.  

Since we always take a drive through history to start the show, let’s take a look at the origin of Teachers Appreciation Day. 

The Origin of Teacher Appreciation Week

Teacher Appreciation Week originated in 1953, and teachers have Eleanor Roosevelt to thank for its inception. Roosevelt convinced Congress that there needed to be a specific day on which teachers were recognized. Prior to Roosevelt going before Congress, it is believed that some states did practice, but it is unclear and unsubstantiated. The theory, however, is that either a teacher from Wisconsin or Arkansas (they aren’t sure which) wrote letters to her trying to get her to help teachers’ cause.

The Arkansas theory states that Mattye Whytte Wooldridge began communicating with leaders in the education system to form a day on which teachers would be honored. She ultimately began writing letters to Eleanor Roosevelt. Roosevelt decided the cause was worthy of her attention and took it to Congress.

Even with Eleanor Roosevelt taking the case to Congress and getting their help and support, it would take another 27 years for it to become an official national day. It was 1980 when the National Education Association (NEA), which was formed in 1857, joined together with the Kansas State and Indiana State Boards of Education and began to lobby Congress to have the day nationally recognized.

The First National Teacher Appreciation Day

National Teacher Day was celebrated on March 7th until 1984, when it was moved to May. Behind the move was the National Parent Teacher Association and, instead of just one day, they named the entire first week of May to be Teacher Appreciation Week. The NEA followed suit the next year and held National Teacher Appreciation Day on the Tuesday of the week.

There are still a few cases of oddities though. Massachusetts celebrates Teacher’s Day not on National Teacher Day, but instead on the first Sunday of June; perhaps because teachers are out for summer and therefore get to relax on their special day.

Celebrate National Teacher Appreciation Week in Your Classroom

The NEA believes National Teacher Day is day to not only honor teachers but to show them that they help make lasting impressions on their students’ lives. Typical gifts range from thank you notes to small treats and gifts.

Whether you want to send a small gift or a kind word, make sure to plan on letting the teachers in your life know that they are appreciated.

On this Day:  –  On this day in history, April 27, 1911, pacifist and spiritual leader Mahatma Gandhi  suspended “passive resistance” and entered into negotiations for civil rights for Southeast Indians in South Africa, where they were treated as second-class citizens. Gandhi’s mass nonviolent tactics would serve as a model for Martin Luther King Jr., and subsequent generations of advocates for freedom and equality.

Miami private school Centner Academy won’t employ vaccinated teachers, staff A private school with two campuses in Miami has warned its staff against taking vaccines that prevent COVID-19, saying it will not employ anyone who has been inoculated and spreading misinformation about the potential risks of vaccination.
https://www.miamiherald.com/news/local/education/article250961279.html

The No. 5 best high school in the country is in Miami, ranks U.S. News & World Report  The best high school ranked in Florida — and the fifth best in the nation — continues to be right here in Miami, according to the 2021 rankings released by U.S. News & World Report. School for Advanced Studies continues its reign at the top of the annual list ranking the best high schools across the country. The school has five campuses at Miami Dade College where selected juniors and seniors graduate with a high school diploma and a college associate’s degree. In Florida, Miami-Dade’s high schools crowd the top of the state list with six schools in the top 10. https://www.miamiherald.com/news/local/education/article250966574.html

Yesterday, Florida state Senate on Monday approved these tighter vote-by-mail regulations in a bill that in recent days was made less stringent after neighboring Georgia's new voting restrictions elicited widespread condemnation, according to a report on NPR. https://www.npr.org/2021/04/26/990990355/florida-state-senate-approves-tighter-rules-on-vote-by-mail-and-drop-boxes

On April 28, the labor movement will once again observe Workers Memorial Day to remember workers killed or injured on the job and to renew the fight for strong safety and health protections. See www.aflcio.org for more.  Write your Senators and tell them to pass the Protecting the Right to Organize(PRO) Act on Workers Memorial Day.

International Workers Day (May Day, May 1st) In the late nineteenth century, the working class was in constant struggle to gain the 8-hour work day. Working conditions were severe and it was quite common to work 10 to 16 hour days in unsafe conditions. Death and injury were commonplace at many work places and inspired such books as Upton Sinclair's The Jungle and Jack London's The Iron Heel. May Day began as a commemoration of the 1886 Haymarket Riot in Chicago. The day is officially recognized in much of the world.

Secretary-Treasurer Mindy Grimes-Festge welcomes UTD Organizer Mike Roland to talk about the repressive legislation signed by Gov. DeSantis. UTD Dean of Professional Development Karen Kelly introduces the Teachers and Parents 'Survival Guide'  and UTD First Vice President Antonio White calls in to report on the status of anti-union bills in Tallahassee.

On this Day in history:  –  On this day in history, April 20, Harriet Tubman, abolitionist and activist, started the Underground Railroad in 1853, a network of anti-slavery homes, helping enslaved African-Americans escape to free states. 

With the state legislature in session, UTD Secretary/Treasurer Mindy Grimes-Festge welcomes teacher Joy Jackson to the show to discuss her work with exceptional students, the executive order on testing and impact of unionization on wages and working conditions. In addition to her activism with UTD, Ms. Jackson is also active with the Coalition of Black Trade Unionists (the CBTU).

Since the earliest days of this nation when democracy was built on racial exploitation, black workers have risked their lives to protect and empower their communities through agitation, collective action and faith. The Coalition of Black Trade Unionists proudly carries that tradition into the 21st century. For more information, see www.cbtu.org 

On the anniversary of becoming the first African-American to win the Oscar (in 1963), here are 5 Things You Need to Know About Sidney Poitier https://medium.com/@MarriedAtTheMovies/4-things-you-need-to-know-about-sidney-poitier-171392fb668e  (blog post) Poitier is and will always be a brilliant figure in film history; a key bridge in 20th century African American cinema between black actor as caricature and black actor as actor. With his poise, intelligence, grace, and emotional intensity, Poitier was the right man for the times: at the height of the Civil Rights movement.

Amazon “Broke the Law”: Union Seeks New Election After Alabama Warehouse Organizing Drive Fails (https://www.democracynow.org/2021/4/12/rwdsu_alabama_amazon_union_vote, April 12) 

 The largest union drive in the history of Amazon has ended with the company on top. After a months-long battle, 738 workers at Amazon’s Bessemer, Alabama, warehouse voted to unionize, and 1,798 voted no. Ballots from another 505 workers were challenged, mostly by Amazon. The Retail, Wholesale and Department Store Union that led the drive says Amazon illegally interfered in the vote, and it plans to file unfair labor practice charges with the National Labor Relations Board. Amazon, which is led by the world’s richest man, Jeff Bezos, spent millions to defeat the closely watched election, and even got a private mailbox installed at the warehouse so it could pressure workers to mail their ballots from work and monitor votes. “It’s important that people don’t misread the results of this election,” says Stuart Appelbaum, president of the Retail, Wholesale and Department Store Union. “People were not saying that they were satisfied with Amazon’s working conditions in any way. They were saying that they were afraid to vote for the union.”

On this Day:  April 6, the trial of Scottsboro Boys started. The case of the Scottsboro Boys, which lasted more than 80 years, helped to spur the Civil Rights Movement, according to the National Museum of African American History and Culture (https://nmaahc.si.edu/blog/scottsboro-boys) 

The perseverance of the Scottsboro Boys and the attorneys and community leaders who supported their case helped to inspire several prominent activists and organizers. To Kill a Mockingbird, the Pulitzer Prize-winning novel by white author Harper Lee, is also loosely based on this case.

As a gay man who advocates for social justice, I get why some people look askance when I mention what my Sunday plans entail. 

While prominent progressive Christian voices exist, too often the loudest voices in American Christianity often sound nothing like Jesus — the radical healer and teacher who taught his followers to love their neighbor and free the oppressed. 

This Sunday past was not only Easter, but marked 53 years since MLK was killed. His fight for Black voting rights has yet to be won (Dean Obeidallah, CNN, April 4, https://www.cnn.com/2021/04/04/opinions/martin-luther-king-assassination-voting-rights-obeidallah/index.html) 

On April 4, 1968, a White gunman shot and killed Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., on the balcony of the Lorraine Motel in Memphis, Tennessee. More than 50 years later, the fight he waged to ensure Black Americans had equal access to vote is still very much alive.

Alcee Hastings, pioneering civil rights activist, judge and politician, dies at 84 (from today’s Miami Herald https://www.miamiherald.com/news/politics-government/article248269530.html) 

Alcee Hastings, crusading civil rights lawyer, the first Black federal judge in Florida and dean of Florida’s U.S. congressional delegation during a tumultuous career that took him from the segregated lunch counters of the Deep South to Capitol Hill, has died after a long battle with pancreatic cancer. He was 84.

Children Now Playing Big Role In Spread of COVID-19
https://abc7chicago.com/covid-chidlren-variant-coroanvirus-coronavirus-vaccine/10486843/

On March 30, 1870, the 15th Amendment to the United States Constitution was formally adopted. It had been ratified on February 3, 1870 as the third and last of the Reconstruction Amendments. On March 30, Secretary of State Hamilton Fish proclaimed the 15 Amendment to be officially part of the U.S. Constitution. Historian Stephen West explains, “That was considered necessary because of questions about its status amidst the messy and irregular politics of Reconstruction.”

The 15th Amendment is described in Freedom’s Unfinished Revolution,

“In 1870, two years after the 14th Amendment was ratified, Congress and the states responded to another round of racial violence in the South by providing additional constitutional protection for the Black electorate. The 15th Amendment declared that the right of U.S. citizens to vote could “not be abridged or denied” by any state” on account of race, color, or previous condition of servitude.”

In the aftermath of the contentious  2020 elections, there’s one point most Florida Republicans and Democrats can agree upon: The state and county election offices did an admirable job in running a fair and efficient election. As Gov. Ron DeSantis himself recently declared, “Last November, Florida held the smoothest, most successful election of any state in the country.”

But that’s where the "Kumbaya" agreement may end. Despite the widespread acknowledgement of a free and fair electoral process in the Sunshine State, the governor and many lawmakers now want to backtrack. Several restrictive new voting laws, including SB 90, would upend Florida’s mail-in ballot system and cancel current mail ballot requests. Worst of all, these proposed bills threaten to disproportionately disenfranchise Florida’s Black and brown voters.

During a normal session of the Florida Legislature, the halls of the Capitol and the House and Senate office buildings are filled with advocates, constituents and lobbyists, all hoping to persuade their elected officials on any given issue. Not this year.

 ‘Anti-educator’ bill clears Senate committee as hundreds of Florida teachers and school faculty testify against it 

As far as Senator Victor Torres is concerned, the message was loud and clear.

“There’s no way I’m gonna support this bill,” he said. “Because you heard the testimony from different counties, from different sections of the state opposing this bill.”