NEWARK, NJ – The New Jersey Education Association (NJEA), the state’s largest teachers’ union, is actively participating in the upcoming Black Lives Matter at School Week of Action. The week’s activities, centered around the theme “Collective Value,” are set to culminate in a vibrant “Prep” Rally earlier this week, serving as the final group planning session.
The BLM Week of Action runs from Monday, February 5 – Friday, February 9, 2024. The Week of Action centers 13 guiding principles and 4 demands of Black Lives Matter at School. From double dutch parties to rallies in front of the department of education, students, educators, families, unions, and community organizations participate both in and outside of the classroom.
This year’s theme is Collective Value. The Black Lives Matter at School guiding principle of Collective Values states, “We are guided by the fact that all Black lives, regardless of sex assigned at birth, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, economic status, ability, disability, education, location, age, immigration status, religious beliefs or disbeliefs, matter. None of us are free until we are all free.”
BLM’s four demands in education are to end zero tolerance and implement restorative justice; hire and retain black teachers; mandate black history and ethnic studies; and to defund police, saying more counselors are needed, “not cops”.
The Week of Action, a national movement dedicated to fostering a more equitable and inclusive educational environment, encourages acts of participation at all levels. NJEA’s involvement exemplifies the union’s commitment to social justice and collective liberation. The rally will provide a dynamic forum for NJEA members, along with students, parents, and teachers, to discuss and finalize their plans for the week.
“The over-policing, out-of-control suspensions and expulsions must be brought to an end immediately. To rebuild our structures, we will focus our resources on restorative justice – the organic appointment of community leaders, mediation and processing, and equitable perspectives on rehabilitation. Ending zero tolerance and focusing our schools around restorative justice will honor an autonomous voice and vision for students, staff and faculty,” BLM said about the week’s agenda.
During the session, participants will engage in collaborative discussions, share last-minute ideas, and reflect on the meaning of collective liberation. The event promises to be interactive, with music and opportunities for crowd participation, including a virtual “wave” in the chat.
NJEA’s support for the Week of Action aligns with a variety of proposed activities, such as student creative challenges, film showings, art events like sip n’ paints, postcard campaigns, book drives, and community gatherings. The guide “What We Do & How We Done It: A Guide for BLM at School” is also available to assist in the planning process, offering resources and ideas to inspire meaningful participation.
“Racist policies in schools and biased skills exams eliminate Black and Brown teaching candidates. We must increase opportunities for teachers of color and retention,” the group said as it demands more equitable terms for black Americans who wish to become educators.
The initiative is open to all supporters of the Black Lives Matter at School movement, including schools, unions, and community organizations. Participants are encouraged to register and share materials related to their plans, fostering a collective approach to addressing racial justice in education.