https://boards.hellobee.com/ Pregnancy, Baby and Parenting blog, by Hellobee en Sun, 03 May 2026 08:35:32 +0000 https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/positive-steps-we-can-take-regarding-the-michael-brown-story/page/2#post-1961876 Wed, 26 Nov 2014 16:08:57 +0000 Mrs. Jacks 1961876@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Here's an article that provides a link. <a href="http://money.cnn.com/2014/11/25/news/economy/ferguson-library-donations/" rel="nofollow">http://money.cnn.com/2014/11/25/news/economy/ferguson-library-donations/</a> </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/positive-steps-we-can-take-regarding-the-michael-brown-story#post-1961619 Wed, 26 Nov 2014 13:49:14 +0000 TemperanceBrennan 1961619@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Mrs. Jacks: I love that idea. I'm going to donate and also put it on my Secret Santa List. :happy: </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/positive-steps-we-can-take-regarding-the-michael-brown-story#post-1961596 Wed, 26 Nov 2014 13:41:46 +0000 Mrs. Jacks 1961596@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I have so many thoughts and don't want to get into any debates (as have been rampant on social media), but one concrete step is that instead of spending on Black Friday, one could donate to the Ferguson Public Library. It's a national effort that will provide local jobs and resources for the people of Ferguson.</p> <p>Also, anyone who is interested can take the Harvard project implicit "implicit associations test" to better understand the lens through which they see the world. The African American test is a great place to start.<br /> <a href="https://implicit.harvard.edu/implicit/education.html" rel="nofollow">https://implicit.harvard.edu/implicit/education.html</a> </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/positive-steps-we-can-take-regarding-the-michael-brown-story#post-1961586 Wed, 26 Nov 2014 13:37:33 +0000 lizzywiz 1961586@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@looch: I'm glad you posted.We have lived in a diverse part of town, more low income than not, been the minority race where we live and work for 15 years. Mostly happily. But the schools here are absolute crap and I have 2 years to figure out where we're going to send my daughter. I feel strongly that the way to develop open mindedness is to expose yourself to diversity and ideas that challenge your own. How can she do that if we moved to homogeneous neighborhood? and how does that help improve the schools in the area we live in now? it's just running away from the problem. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/positive-steps-we-can-take-regarding-the-michael-brown-story#post-1961525 Wed, 26 Nov 2014 13:07:48 +0000 looch 1961525@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I am hesitant to even post this, but it's something I am very aware of and concerned about, and that is support for public schools.</p> <p>We talk a lot on these boards about buying homes in favorable school districts. What does that usually mean? In cities and towns with property taxes that are on the higher side, which naturally excludes people below a certain income level, especially those that are poor. I know we all want the best for our kids, I do as well, but I wonder sometimes at what price. I want to set my son up to do well in school, but I want him exposed to a diverse population of kids of all abilities, and a lot of the towns near me are exactly opposite that. And I hate that I am thinking that we have to sell our house and move to one of those towns when my son gets to high school. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/positive-steps-we-can-take-regarding-the-michael-brown-story#post-1961489 Wed, 26 Nov 2014 12:55:37 +0000 catomd00 1961489@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Being honest with ourselves about our biases and (even the most subtle of) racist tendencies. Examining why we feel that way, then actively working to change them. I really don't think anything will ever change without doing this. Too many people I know deny they are racist, yet make remarks or behave in a way that would indicate otherwise. </p> <p>I am undecided on body cams, but I do think the cars should have cameras. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/positive-steps-we-can-take-regarding-the-michael-brown-story#post-1961172 Wed, 26 Nov 2014 10:34:30 +0000 TemperanceBrennan 1961172@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Sorry I didn't reply yesterday. I'm really encouraged by all the posts on this thread. It's going to take time and a lot of effort, but like pps have mentioned, we are moving in the right direction. Let's keep that momentum going. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/positive-steps-we-can-take-regarding-the-michael-brown-story#post-1960982 Wed, 26 Nov 2014 09:29:54 +0000 lizzywiz 1960982@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Mrs. Lemon-Lime: "Black students should be afforded the same opportunity to have pride in their history."<br /> :heart:<br /> I have learned a lot about this issue for Native Americans. In my work, I have met amazing Native American activist women who taught me about food sovereignty, the decolonization of native peoples and the reclamation of their history, both the good and bad.<br /> It has been fascinating and humbling to realize that when a people are discussed only in terms of what has been done to them (as well meaning outsiders might do when sharing a people's history) we are perpetuating the myth of stigma and victimization. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/positive-steps-we-can-take-regarding-the-michael-brown-story#post-1960943 Wed, 26 Nov 2014 09:15:36 +0000 lizzywiz 1960943@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@RLCeigh: "I came home feeling like I have faith these young people can change things" :heart:<br /> This is why it is hard for me to get on board w/ people who are down on teenagers/college kids. Sure, they are a little self-centered and have limited life experience, but there is NOTHING like the hope and excitement they have when you introduce a new world issue to them and empower them to believe they can make a difference.<br /> ...I think grown-ups need to remember that feeling. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/positive-steps-we-can-take-regarding-the-michael-brown-story#post-1960180 Tue, 25 Nov 2014 15:57:08 +0000 RLCeigh 1960180@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@teawithpaloma-- I recently went to a College Board Forum and we got a sneak preview of this amazing program they partnered with called the First-Gen Roadtrip <a href="http://roadtripnation.com/index.php" rel="nofollow">http://roadtripnation.com/index.php</a><br /> We got to meet the first 4 participants and the stories are so amazing and inspirational.<br /> I came home feeling like I have faith these young people can change things. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/positive-steps-we-can-take-regarding-the-michael-brown-story#post-1960166 Tue, 25 Nov 2014 15:48:35 +0000 JoyfulKiwi 1960166@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I agree with so much of what was said here. @lizzywiz: @Ra: yes, school is so important! The difference in quality of education from a high-poverty school to a well-off one is dispicable. Really, truly disgusting. @mrsjazz: @Anagram: both of your posts say exactly the things I want to say. There are so many ways people can be positive and start to make change. Voting and starting small with your family/children are the most important. However, it requires a lot of effort to get educated on issues, humility to be willing to change your opinions, and self-confidence to not take comments personally &amp; shut down/lash out.<br /> I hope being a preschool teacher can help me. I try to model lots of empathy, kindness, and humility, as well as give kids the truth about history. I've been surprised when people are shocked about how I teach Columbus (he was an explorer and he was not a nice man to the people he met), Native culture (people were not always nice to them either and the tribes were very diverse), and I hope to get the resources to do the same with African/African American culture &amp; history. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/positive-steps-we-can-take-regarding-the-michael-brown-story#post-1960129 Tue, 25 Nov 2014 15:34:06 +0000 lizzywiz 1960129@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Mrs. Lemon-Lime: oh, I meant that it was weird that they were asking old, white me about African Americans :wink: </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/positive-steps-we-can-take-regarding-the-michael-brown-story#post-1960112 Tue, 25 Nov 2014 15:25:16 +0000 plantains 1960112@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@lizzywiz: I used to volunteer in Sunset Park, NY and a lot of the kids said these things too. It was fascinating. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/positive-steps-we-can-take-regarding-the-michael-brown-story#post-1960085 Tue, 25 Nov 2014 15:06:47 +0000 Mrs. Lemon-Lime 1960085@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@lizzywiz: I don't think it's odd that Hispanics and Native Americans hold prejudices against black people. Black &amp; brown are not always on the same side. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/positive-steps-we-can-take-regarding-the-michael-brown-story#post-1960074 Tue, 25 Nov 2014 15:01:08 +0000 teawithpaloma 1960074@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@RLCeigh: How interesting about the College Board - I'm going to look into that. I love innovative ideas to support education equality and access in our country! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/positive-steps-we-can-take-regarding-the-michael-brown-story#post-1959949 Tue, 25 Nov 2014 14:08:34 +0000 lizzywiz 1959949@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@meredithNYC: all around New Mexico. My students are predominantly Native American, Hispanic of Spanish descent (those families have been here for centuries) and Hispanic of Mexican descent (both new comers and those who have lived here for generations). I don't think I have any Caucasian students this year.<br /> They talk openly about racism in the Native communities (the more full-blooded NA you are, the better) and many of the old world Hispanic families are prejudiced against the newer immigrants. And they always talk about how racist white people are. In an odd twist, my students sometimes have questions/comments (some very prejudiced) about African Americans because there are not many in central/northern NM. I'm from St. Louis and it blows their minds that the ethnic diversity there is so different from what they know.<br /> PS- I walled you :wink: </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/positive-steps-we-can-take-regarding-the-michael-brown-story#post-1959927 Tue, 25 Nov 2014 13:56:57 +0000 meredithNYC 1959927@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@lizzywiz: Interesting! If you don't mind me asking, where do you teach? </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/positive-steps-we-can-take-regarding-the-michael-brown-story#post-1959918 Tue, 25 Nov 2014 13:54:37 +0000 lizzywiz 1959918@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I can talk more openly and comfortably with my students about race issues. I can learn to facilitate positive discussions about race in our country instead of shying away.<br /> I generally avoid it, in part because I am the only or one of the only white people at all of my job sites and I don't want to misstep. But my students are hungry to talk about these issues and typically less offensive/defensive than adults. They ask me things like would I let my LO date a Native American and what do I think of Catholics like they are asking me to pass the salt, lol. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/positive-steps-we-can-take-regarding-the-michael-brown-story#post-1959911 Tue, 25 Nov 2014 13:50:44 +0000 RLCeigh 1959911@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@teawithpaloma-- exactly, it can be done one family and one meaningful conversation at a time.<br /> Thank you for that article. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/positive-steps-we-can-take-regarding-the-michael-brown-story#post-1959902 Tue, 25 Nov 2014 13:46:25 +0000 RLCeigh 1959902@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@anagram- I love that training idea! Totally looking into that more.<br /> We need to start putting more $$ into education (including mandatory pre-K for all, start young so all kids have a chance to start Kindergarden on a level playing field-- not just those whose parents can afford fancy pre-K) and developing mentor/role model programs for under-represented populations. Instead we put tons of $$ later to support incarceration and its a cycle that is hard to break.<br /> Pay teachers more and develop programs that encourage students of color to want to be teachers and be a positive impact on young people's development.<br /> Instead of funding Pell Grants, the govt should put the $$ to help ALL families start 529 plans for their kids. Studies have shown that starting a college savings plan helps the student to show you believe in them and expect they will attend higher ed. Even if they are first gen.<br /> I believe that education is the one thing that can hopefully help-- I work on campus that believes in diversity. It is amazing how young minds can be shaped when having real interactions with all races, socio-economic groups, sexual orienation, religion-- it truly does open minds and change lives.<br /> The College Board is a great advocate of supporting young black men and providing access (I don't work for them). I am truly inspired by some of the work they do and it encourges me that there is still hope for the future. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/positive-steps-we-can-take-regarding-the-michael-brown-story#post-1959891 Tue, 25 Nov 2014 13:41:44 +0000 meredithNYC 1959891@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@HLK208: you make a really good point. We have the power to teach our children to be loving, compassionate, open-minded, etc. and that is huge. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/positive-steps-we-can-take-regarding-the-michael-brown-story#post-1959867 Tue, 25 Nov 2014 13:29:45 +0000 cait 1959867@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Can I just say how much I appreciate this thread? I've been so filled with anger when on fb and other social media today. It is so refreshing to read the ideas of others trying to find ways to create positive change. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/positive-steps-we-can-take-regarding-the-michael-brown-story#post-1959823 Tue, 25 Nov 2014 13:09:47 +0000 teawithpaloma 1959823@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>As parents and future parents we can teach tolerance to our children. And we should start at a young age. This article speaks to it better than I can today: </p> <p><a href="http://www.slate.com/articles/double_x/the_kids/2014/03/teaching_tolerance_how_white_parents_should_talk_to_their_kids_about_race.html" rel="nofollow">http://www.slate.com/articles/double_x/the_kids/2014/03/teaching_tolerance_how_white_parents_should_talk_to_their_kids_about_race.html</a></p> <p>I did not have this explicitly growing up and until 14 I lived in a very white town (former hub of KKK in New Jersey) and I will do everything to enlighten and teach my children the values (e.g., equality, social justice) that will help America change for the better.</p> <p>Once a year we can vote but every day we can start micro-revolutions of tolerance and love in our home. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/positive-steps-we-can-take-regarding-the-michael-brown-story#post-1959822 Tue, 25 Nov 2014 13:09:36 +0000 Ra 1959822@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Anagram: Agreed on all points. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/positive-steps-we-can-take-regarding-the-michael-brown-story#post-1959813 Tue, 25 Nov 2014 13:06:32 +0000 Anagram 1959813@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I also think our educational system can not do this job alone--we can't eradicate poverty and the effects of poverty and 175 years of slavery and Jim Crow and a lack of education just in our schools.</p> <p>We need to start with admitting that a person can work an honest job for 40 hours a week a not make enough to support themselves and a child (a single mom working minimum wage, for example) and we need to come up with workable solutions to that (higher minimum wages, or subsidized daycare for working parents, lower housing costs). </p> <p>We need to get our system of letting the rich change laws and manipulate lawmakers into making themselves richer, while neglecting to support and improve our poor, working class, and middle class in check.</p> <p>We need to stop glossing over our racist history and the effects of that history. The first step to change is ADMITTING YOU HAVE A PROBLEM.</p> <p>And then finally, we need to be like Nelson Mandela and work to put the past in the past. Forgiveness, Growth...then eventually moving on and up. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/positive-steps-we-can-take-regarding-the-michael-brown-story#post-1959810 Tue, 25 Nov 2014 13:05:13 +0000 cait 1959810@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Ra: I completely agree. I feel like so many reactions I've seen are coming from a place of complete ignorance of what it is like to be a POC in America, and the institutionalized racism that makes up the bigger picture. As a white woman, I of course cannot comprehend it myself, but I try to educate myself and not be blinded by my privilege. </p> <p>I also have hope for eventual positive outcomes from the protests. It is easy to look at moments of violence and label it all as rioting, but the same thing happened during the civil rights movement. These events may be looked back on very differently. </p> <p>Looking at other news sources other than mainstream television is vital. There are people on the streets providing play-by-play information that is incredibly important. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/positive-steps-we-can-take-regarding-the-michael-brown-story#post-1959803 Tue, 25 Nov 2014 13:00:10 +0000 lawbee11 1959803@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I agree with PP that voting is a big one.</p> <p>Another one for me personally is leading by example. I've seen so many nasty/hateful/racist comments on social media about this. Children grow up believing what their parents teach them. I want to teach my LO to be accepting, compassionate, and kind. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/positive-steps-we-can-take-regarding-the-michael-brown-story#post-1959799 Tue, 25 Nov 2014 12:58:56 +0000 Freckles 1959799@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@mrsjazz: I get so irritated when people start spouting off stats on black people and incarceration rates without understanding WHY. These aren't the greatest links as they're from HuffPo but just a couple of examples: <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/09/17/racial-disparity-drug-use_n_3941346.html" rel="nofollow">http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/09/17/racial-disparity-drug-use_n_3941346.html</a><br /> <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/van-jones/are-blacks-a-criminal-rac_b_8398.html" rel="nofollow">http://www.huffingtonpost.com/van-jones/are-blacks-a-criminal-rac_b_8398.html</a> </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/positive-steps-we-can-take-regarding-the-michael-brown-story#post-1959791 Tue, 25 Nov 2014 12:53:52 +0000 Ra 1959791@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Mrs. Lemon-Lime: My point exactly! It is glaringly obvious how weighted textbooks and curriculum are towards white history. How do we expect our students to feel empowered if we are, essentially, telling them their history doesn't matter. What is that teaching the white kids in class? </p> <p>It isn't just history, either. I also taught language arts and the curriculum severely lacked literature from different races and cultures. It's really sad.</p> <p>I took several elective courses in culturally responsive teaching so it was important to me to include and acknowledge the cultures and histories of all my students. Unfortunately, many teachers don't have the time or motivation to do so. It doesn't help that there is so much pressure on teachers to achieve certain standardized test scores that they aren't able to stray from the curriculum for fear of losing their jobs.</p> <p>Long story short, I think there needs to be a huge reform in education in order to tackle this issue and make it fair for ALL students. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/positive-steps-we-can-take-regarding-the-michael-brown-story#post-1959783 Tue, 25 Nov 2014 12:49:57 +0000 Mama Bird 1959783@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Ra: this. Breaking the cycle of poverty is key. But watching my city "grow" into something best represented by Taylor Swift, and hearing what goes on in big and small government, I don't have a lot of hope for this town or this country. </p>