Our Call to Action by WSP Middle School Students

On June 1, our middle school students and teachers held a Zoom meeting to discuss the murder of George Floyd and to engage in conversation about implicit bias, microaggressions, and racism.

On June 1, our middle school students and teachers held a Zoom meeting to discuss the murder of George Floyd and to engage in conversation about implicit bias, microaggressions, and racism. While this was not the first of these conversations with teachers, Monday's discussion inspired a small group led by 7th grader, Chance, to craft a statement and action items to represent how our middle schoolers hope to transform their knowledge into deeds. They plan to send their Call to Action to local government officials.

Their message is as follows:

We, the Middle School students of the Waldorf School of Pittsburgh, strongly believe that the wrongful acts of racism of the past days, weeks, and months are something no one should have to experience. The brutal killing of George Floyd was like history continuing to repeat itself. We believe that the egregious acts of brutality, hatred, and bloodshed against people of color have been frightfully barbaric.

We will not stand by while innocent people are being harassed and killed because of their skin color. We will strive to vanquish this hatred from our community and we will stand against those who oppress our friends, families, and our community. None of us wants to grow up in a world that has this much hatred and sorrow, but this is the world we have inherited. We, as young people, have the power to rise up and overcome these challenges, and transform how we, as one mighty community, change the course of the world and humanity.

We ask you to unite with us in these actions:

• Educate yourself about the history of institutional racism.

• Vote! And know who your elected officials are.

• Write letters to elected officials and/or newspapers.

• Engage in dialogue with your family, friends, and community about issues of race and current events.

• Have the courage to correct people when they say racist or homophobic statements.

• Support minority owned businesses.

• Support fundraising efforts from Black led organizations.

• Attend peaceful protests.

• Spread positivity.

• Remember, day-to-day actions are important. Be kind everyday, in every moment. Small acts are one step towards making a big difference.