Happy Dr. King Day! For those of us living in the United States, our schools are closed and our students and teachers get a day to reflect on and celebrate the legacy of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. I can imagine that there are many teachers out there that have been looking forward to this day since returning from the winter recess. There’s no denying that school communities and the families that support them are feeling stressed from the continuing global health crisis. Although the situations are extremely different, teachers and the communities they support can look to Dr. King today as a beacon of hope and encouragement in these incredibly difficult times.
Everywhere I look, I see communities agonizing over how to keep schools and safe for everyone. Teachers are stressed. Families are stressed. Communities are stressed. Civic leaders and officials are stressed. And, there seems to be no end in sight. I feel the stress right along with everyone. It’s been disheartening. However, on this day of celebration, I am choosing to feel inspired and encouraged by Dr. King’s hopefulness and courage. During his short time on Earth, he brought inspired so many to keep moving through the global pandemic of racism in spite of the turmoil and loss that it caused. He willed people of all kinds to remember to be kind and respectful, and to remain hopeful that there is a light at the end of the tunnel.
Let’s look to Dr. King today with hope in our eyes and hearts. One day soon, our schools will be filled with the shining smiles of our students again. One day soon, we’ll be able to see each other smile without masks. One day soon, we can return to our schools knowing that we all got through a difficult time by sticking together and supporting one another.
Stay healthy and safe! Stay hopeful!
PinaRose Education 