I had some time to process my thoughts... I allowed my scholars to read @WriteinBK’s Allegedly as a part of my @ProjectLITComm classroom library. It detailed life for youth living in foster care. A former scholar messaged me: “What happened to Ma’Khia was just like the book!” https://abs.twimg.com/emoji/v2/... draggable="false" alt="1️⃣" title="Tastenkappe Ziffer 1" aria-label="Emoji: Tastenkappe Ziffer 1">

I thank God I had the opportunity to help them understand and analyze the intersectional nature of oppression through reading the same books so many attempt to censor. These connections they made broke my heart but simultaneously brought me peace that they KNOW. https://abs.twimg.com/emoji/v2/... draggable="false" alt="2️⃣" title="Tastenkappe Ziffer 2" aria-label="Emoji: Tastenkappe Ziffer 2">

There is a reason that is blatantly clear for these conversations, for the exposure to culturally relevant books (no matter what Lexile level they are deemed) and MORE to happen in our classrooms. These spaces serve as outlets for our youth, an opportunity to publicly grieve. https://abs.twimg.com/emoji/v2/... draggable="false" alt="3️⃣" title="Tastenkappe Ziffer 3" aria-label="Emoji: Tastenkappe Ziffer 3">

Grateful for every genuine, authentic, bold and compassionate educator who has stepped up and out for the sake of kids. Scholars should be able to talk to us, not be “shot down” for their opinions, their voices, etc.

The new SLO: Scholars Liberated & Optimized.

Score THAT. https://abs.twimg.com/emoji/v2/... draggable="false" alt="4️⃣" title="Tastenkappe Ziffer 4" aria-label="Emoji: Tastenkappe Ziffer 4">

Finally, for every adult who has ever blamed a child: YOU ARE THE PROBLEM.

Out responsibility is to TEACH. Their responsibility is to LEARN. Learning involves mistakes. Recognize that & stop criminalizing & fast forwarding their lives into adulthood.

Try AGAIN. RE-TEACH. https://abs.twimg.com/emoji/v2/... draggable="false" alt="5️⃣" title="Tastenkappe Ziffer 5" aria-label="Emoji: Tastenkappe Ziffer 5">