"My Life is My Message"

         It's the 21st century and one thing has not changed: African American Males are still the most feared being in this country. They have been and still are crying out this inscrutable phrase: "I can't breathe!" This is the life that they live day in and day out because of the systemic racism that our so beloved country has bestowed upon them.  I say bestow because if you are a black man in America, the law basically has the right to lock you up! The irony in this, the color of their skin should be an honor, but instead it has become their "Scarlet Letter"; therefore, automatically marking them as a criminal, a rapist or a troublemaker in the eyes of the law. So, even though slavery supposedly ended 400 years ago, it really hasn't.  It has just transformed and the powers that be are still getting wealthy by keeping their knee on the black man's neck.  Hence, the phrase: "I can't breathe!"     In the Ted Talk Video,  How...

     In the video, "In Sickness and in Wealth," the narrator asks us, the audience to contemplate a question: Is inequality making us sick? Throughout the video this point is clearly examined as the studies that were conducted in Louisville, and the data reveal one significant factor:an individual's death rate correlates with his/her economic status.  The social gradients in regards to health show that education is a way to move upstream in the grand scheme of society.  However, not everyone will get this opportunity especially if you're Black or Hispanic. Yes, I am ashamed to admit that I never weighed the idea that where a person lives and that his/her education level will indicate his/her death expectancy due to the resources that are or are not accessible.  A sad reality is that the more education and money that you have, the more or less stress you will have.  Therefore, simply put:Wealth=Health. So, yes, inequality is making us, people of color, ...

"I am a teacher who stands up for all of my students against the abstract -isms in our society, who is a supporter of Black Lives Matter to fight against systemic racism and a defender of civil rights.  I am a teacher who favors culturally responsive teaching and rejects the ENGLISH Only policy because every child brings funds of knowledge into the classroom.  I am a teacher who is full of energy and hope amidst the high demands of the district. I am a teacher who refuses to set low expectations for her students. I am a teacher who is proud to educate inner-city students. If I do not struggle to promote student growth, then I will no longer educate."

I was given the birth name Renee One who is serious about life and purpose A happy wife, teacher of many, mother of 3 and grandmother of 1 Who loves her occupation, her family and her freedom Who feels this world could be a better place without racism, inequalities, and  discrimination She needs respect because it’s extremely important and peace because she loves it I give all my time and energy to making my family happy, preparing my daily lessons and supporting anyone who needs it  Fears being a failure, a Race War (World War III) and her children dying before she does I would love to see my children become successful, equal opportunities for all mankind and Africa one day Resident of Mt. Pleasant and  has been teaching at NGMS  for 26 of her 28 years in education Seeking a Master's Degree in TESOL My last name is Duffaut