On Friday, February 24, the Chicago Teachers Union and Chicago Teachers Union Foundation held a joint blood drive in honor of Black History Month. The Lloyd Newman Blood Drive for Sickle Cell Disease honored Black pioneers like Dr. Charles Drew and Lloyd Newman. This video of the Panel Discussion on the Science and Treatment of Sickle Cell Disease featured medical professionals and blood donation organizers.
As a black female science educator, the phrase “I am Black history” means that I am a living, breathing manifestation of my ancestors’ tears, pain, trials, tribulations, triumphs, victory and joy.
I’m scorned, adorned, and often forewarned / That the way I perform, is because I am a unicorn / A Black Man in a teacher’s uniform. Far from the norm. / A rarity in a sea of disparity, trying to seek clarity / But at times, my work is viewed as charity.
That we keep showing up for school, family and community every day speaks to our undying hope in a future of prosperity and justice.
The campaign we are unveiling this week highlights how schools across Chicago have only one or two Black teachers, despite the abundance of qualified Black teachers who have been laid off and displaced by Chicago Public Schools.
