Over the past few months, our nation has faced many challenges through this unforeseen global pandemic. What is shocking and hard to believe is, that in the midst of this health crisis, we are now also confronting issues of civility and unity due to the senseless murders of two African American men, George Floyd in Minnesota and Ahmaud Arbery who was jogging in a residential neighborhood in Georgia.
We have all seen the messaging around #WeAreAllInThisTogether, and yet, we continue to grapple with matters of race and disparities in our country that are further highlighted through these unfortunate incidents. This is a new time in all of our lives, when all lives must matter and we need to rethink our priorities and values. What has been tolerated for too long can no longer be tolerated. This is particularly true for our children who count on us to feel safe and secure where they live, play and learn.
Today, Superintendent Dr. Gregory C. Hutchings, Jr. is replacing his daily video Q&A with a heartfelt message about the racial crisis we are facing in our country. As a school division, we play a vital role in eliminating racial inequities. Please take a few minutes to listen to this message. We will be collecting your thoughts and responses on the ACPS Facebook page and on Twitter. You can also email them to news@acps.k12.va.us.
Dr. Hutchings also encourages you to join him for “Facing Racism. Demanding Change,” a Virtual Town Hall tonight, June 2, from 7 to 8:30 p.m. The event, co-sponsored by the City of Alexandria and ACT for Alexandria, will be hosted online at zoom.us/j/95162556812 or by phone at 312-626-6799 (Meeting ID 951 6255 6812).
