Happy National Banned Books week, where Florida leads the way in banning books!

My eldest child and I watched, in person, as speaker after speaker approached the podium. They asked – even begged – Florida’s Board of Education to rethink and redesign the new state standards for African American history rather than approve them. Speakers who were all shades of skin tone argued against the implementation. Without any response to their audience, the board unanimously approved the curriculum.

I should have been in school today. It was the first day back for teachers in my county and at my former school, and I wasn’t there. I posted a Facebook message to my former colleagues and other teacher friends wishing them luck and joy in the coming year and then sat there and cried.

Why is it that the State of Florida and its Department of Education are so interested in what is going on under an individual’s clothes? On Wednesday, July 19, I asked the Board of Education about it.

I am feeling a huge sense of responsibility to keep moving forward and make a difference in some way. In addition to looking for work in social justice and activism, I am looking to join organizations where I can volunteer.

I never used to be a political person. I have had “no party affiliation” on my voter registration card since I was 18. I always voted and I voted my conscience…