Responding to the National Dialogue
Reed Swier, Director of School Culture and Family Engagement, East Harlem Scholars Academy Elementary School
In the wake of this past November’s election, our school community was left with a sense of fear and unanswered questions. I remember the day after the election. I was at the arrival door, ushering students in, holding back tears, while simultaneously trying to hold the emotions of so many concerned students, staff and families. Teachers immediately jumped in to morning meeting circles, opening up to children’s questions and trying our best to respond to all of these emotions. Our refrain was one of support and safe space.
As an organization driven by tenets of social justice and community organizing, it was important for all of us to respond to the national dialogue with our own stance. Outside of the fundamental work our teachers were doing everyday — supporting students by fostering a restorative school community that recognizes everyone’s identity and cultural heritage — it was exciting to hear about our senior management’s push to involve arts activism to further reinforce the beliefs and stance of the East Harlem Tutorial Program. Bringing in Manny Vega, one of the most celebrated artists in the community and a personal favorite, allowed our community to voice our beliefs through a collaborative project that inevitably inspired further dialogue about issues of identity, immigration, and safety.
The #BuildLove campaign highlighted the inextricable link so many of our students have to the new wave of racist, anti-immigrant populism. As we painted, our fourth grade scholars commented on their belief in a country of immigrants, in a community of love and in a school community that is outspoken in the belief that diversity in voice and heritage is an immense strength. Students of immigrant families spoke on behalf of their own families and the uncertainty in what the future may hold. Students who didn’t hold the fear of potentially being deported, spoke about their fear for their friends. Students eagerly wrote on their I #BuildLove signs, phrases like “immigrants are welcome” and “we build peace.” Their belief in what is right was unwavering, which in turn, as is often the case, assuaged some of my own fear for the future. Our students continue to highlight what love looks like and how communities can and will stand in solidarity against hate.
Our students continue to highlight what love looks like and how communities can and will stand in solidarity against hate.
#BuildLove is a project of East Harlem Tutorial Program, which has supported students to graduate college and realize their best possible selves through our network of community after-school programs and schools. Sign up here to get the latest EHTP news.
