This is one of my advocates Terance Shipman. My family and I had just immigrated from Kenya. Assimilation was hard when in school you were #bullied for the #darkness of your skin and the motherland of your roots.
Words taught on the back of #colorisim and #slavery. Papers bleeding red and wrong for British vowels that I was certain I knew correctly. So lost and confused.
Yet, Mr. Shipman, my Kindergarten Teacher. My first teacher in this new land. Happened to be a playwright, historian, and social justice informed educator. He showed me my face and spirit over and over again through exposure to leaders and institutions that looked like me.
He created in me under the context of #culture, #history, and #freedom a quest for knowledge. Cast me in plays. Created safe after school sports and empowered based programs that brought entire families and community together. It gave me room to breathe, restore and engage.
Thank you for showing me and all of us, that anything is possible. #socialjustice #advocate #shipmanchronicles #carenote