Eye Openers

And so we continue...
This week we were introduced to some of the social justice projects that have been brewing in our midst.  I have to say that each group did a spectacular job at capturing the social injustices and creating social action plans to rectify the situations. 

Project H
I was definitely moved by the emotional ties that this group experienced with this population.  I was captivated by their video and could feel their passion as they each described their experience with finding out about the homeless population here in Austin.  Symone especially moved me.  She is so right, often times I never even think about the way my life flows effortlessly until something or someone interferes and I'm made uncomfortable.  I take everything that I have for granted on most days and sometimes I find myself struggling to remain humble and grateful for all of my blessings.  This was a true eye opener.  Since this presentation, I have stopped whining about what I don't have and become more aware of the needs of others. I always thought that I was a good person, and I am, but this presentation not only opened my eyes, but my heart as well.

Educational Disparity
I was a student at Reagan in 1980.  Seems so long ago!  At that time, Reagan was one of the top school in the district, academically and sports-wise. It was also pre-dominantly black. Educational disparity probably existed but we were sometimes years ahead of other schools.  I remember in 1975, I was in the 4th grade when they integrated the school system here in Austin for the first time.  I went from a predominantly black school to an all-white school.  I was one of about 6 kids.  We were placed in special classes even after I told the teacher that I had already read the book that they were reading.  I had read it in the 3rd grade.  I had also done all of the math and other subjects that they were just now doing.  After about two weeks I was moved into an excellorated class, but I already felt like I had something to prove.  I believe that sometimes I still operate in that place.  I am very interested in working with this group on their social action plan.

AfterWorkActivism
This group really surprised me.  This really ties into my groups' social justice project.  I kept wondering exactly what they meant but once I was informed, I was moved into action.  This is exactly what is needed for students who want to participate but have to work to pay their way through college or are student with other obligations.  Activism done in times when those unable to attend during regular college hours will definitely be successful. I was also impressed that studentsfrom other schools couldalso get involved.  This was a great presentation!

Executive Orders
I have to say that if I was in their video, I would have been one of the people who did not know anything about an executive order!   I was so frustrated with them at the level of secrecy tied to finding out about how to fight an executive order.  And to think that even the capital librarian could not help them, I'm appalled.  Katy is the student I mentioned in my prior blog that is so active in so many social justice fights.  I know she had to be doubly frustrated becasue she works to get things done and to get people informed. I would really like to see this go in another direction so that if one wanted to fught an executive order, there could be some kind of guidelines to follow besides standing in front of the capital.  This was perhaps the project I learned from the most because it left me with knowledge of what it really takes for change to happen.

These presentations was so inspiring, I am really looking forward to what next week brings!
Until next week....