As many of us do, I participate in a group text. It’s a mix of high schoolers and adults.
A recent text: "Coming to College with me. I'll be at Bowie State University." My heart soared when I read the student’s good news.
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As many as 10 African American high school students from public, private, parochial and vo-tech schools banded together with the Delaware Racial Justice Collaborative (DRJC) and the United Way of Delaware to host the recent Delaware Black Student Summit. The group text began while planning the first-in-Delaware event.
Much as the National Black Student Alliance serves to provide Black students and their allies a community, brave space and the opportunity for change, so, too, did Delaware’s first Black Student Summit seek to empower our next generation of leaders. The Black Student Summit was designed to wrap training and education around students who are or seek to become members of their school’s Black Student Union/Association. It also sought to create a new network for students to connect and plug into resources and appropriate adult support.
Could we really bring together 100 students, senior administrators and volunteers on a Saturday morning at a Wilmington sports facility in early spring?
Our group text was one way we kept our finger on the pulse of planning and our students. I will admit to texting in full sentences and using punctuation. As director of the DRJC, my tone should be professional, even when texting. It takes longer. It’s not as much fun, but I have developed an appreciation for a well-placed emoji or hashtag to soften an abundance of words.
Does texting in full sentences really matter? When fighting for racial justice in a highly polarized society, it does. To quote Delaware State University president Dr. Tony Allen, “It all matters.”
Eliminate practices that enable systemic racism
By virtue of my position, I view Delaware’s socioeconomic and political systems through a racial lens. The DRJC, powered by the United Way of Delaware, seeks to eliminate policies and practices that enable systemic racism in Delaware and replace them with those that ensure equity for all. We utilize a collective infrastructure and resources to amplify and support community-based initiatives.
We have grown into a diverse group of more than 200 individuals and leaders of organizations from across Delaware. Specifically, we focus on criminal justice, diversity, equity and inclusion, education, health equity, public policy, wealth creation (which includes housing), and youth advancement. Each committee meets on a regular schedule, complemented by monthly general body meetings and other programs and events, like the Black Student Summit.
Held at the Chase Fieldhouse on April 9, planning for the Black Student Summit was executed by the student-led committee with adult supervision. Our rock star students selected the theme — “Amplify Black Youth Voices” — as well as workshop topics, breakout sessions, venue and food.
Convening to learn and grow
I remain tremendously proud of their passion, commitment and dedication to the event and each other, some of whom met for the first time during this process. When we began event planning, we weren’t sure how we were going to pull off a series of intimate conversations and trainings around sensitive issues in a huge building on a Saturday morning.
Well, we did it. Roughly 180 people convened that Saturday morning to learn and grow. I was happily surprised that my own daughter rolled out of bed well before it was time to leave for the event. Though not quite a high schooler, she embraced the chance to learn about advocacy. As a mother and her mother, it was a blessing to stand side by side with my kid, our student leaders and adult volunteers to help students understand why it’s important to use their voice and how it do it appropriately to turn up the volume and activism of Black Student Unions/Associations.
We did not do it alone. Our event sponsors were the Delaware Department of Education, Bloom Energy, the Delaware Coalition Against Domestic Violence, Children & Families First, Wilmington City Council and Out Loud. Many volunteers rolled up their sleeves and helped serve the students before, during and after the event. We appreciate everything, every single contribution made. It was necessary, helpful and made a difference.
‘Getting this parenting thing right’
So then, the answer to my earlier question is yes. We could and did bring together over 100 people on a Saturday morning to connect and empower Black Student Unions/Associations, advisers and allies. Our group text was helpful in facilitating quick decisions from the Planning Committee. It also has kept us in communication with each other.
The text that sparked the smile in my heart was a framed photo of the Student Planning Committee shared by a student, with the message that the photo was going with him to college. More texts followed, from students heading to Spelman College, Columbia University and University of Maryland Eastern Shore in the fall.
It’s so easy to become fixated on bad news. This good news and great experience is worth celebrating.
It’s what’s on my mind on this Mother’s Day, as a lot of women are getting this parenting thing right. It’s been a long journey, and there’s much more to do. I invite all Delawareans to join the DRJC in the movement.
#Winning
Raina Harper Allen is the director of the Delaware Racial Justice Collaborative, a program of the United Way of Delaware. For information, visit uwde.org/drjc.
