Dear Brown Young Man I wear the same mask as you I model how to wear it, the one that grins and lies I choose to impart my curriculum and provide a space for you to remove your mask As I navigate the injustices of systemic educational woes, challenge-less courses and inequitable detention and suspension rates on your behalf, I wonder how you will achieve within these walls and beyond and… I can’t breathe What teacher tells her students to be safe as they leave her class Fears of what will happen to you because you are seen first as thug or criminal instead of a person Knowing that when you exit they won’t see the brilliant, talented adolescent I know They see hoods and hip hop, jays and jerseys, slang and shades of melanin Things that you may do for the culture perpetuate stereotypes but are acclaimed when your counterparts adapt or claim them as their own Yet you continue to navigate two worlds, mask on...mask off and I can’t breathe The term black excellence isn’t simply a mantra, but a mandate from our ancestors They knew that in order to progress, excellence in every area, especially education was essential not optional So think before you miss class or ask to work outside They knew that knowledge would appear to level the playing field Opening doors labeled as affirmative action which do not affirm the actions you take to expand your perspective, grow in intelligence and participate in diverse experiences So I stand with you and for you, your advocate, your mentor, your champion Your teacher 23
Mercedes Walton-Mason Shippensburg University Colony FALL03 IG - Quorra06 Twitter - MsMasonPAACS
