Invite Hope
Three and a half years ago I was moved to write for the first in my life. I walked the streets of Washington DC to welcome a president that openly insulted my students and their families. Yet, I was inspired by the hope that resonated from my students and their belief in this country, despite the negative rhetoric. The National Mall spoke to me as I toured the city. America’s past seemed to come alive and challenge me. At the end of the first day in DC, I wrote down these words. REMEMBER THE DREAM OUR FOREFATHERS HAD. REMEMBER THE STRUGGLES OF OUR MOST VULNERABLE GROUPS. REMEMBER THOSE WHO FOUGHT TO PROTECT THAT DREAM. THE DREAM IS YOURS. DEFEND IT! I titled that reflection Hope and Fear . I hoped that our country would come together to fight against divisions that were rising. I hoped that all our struggles in the past would guide us in the path forward. However, I was also fearful. I worried that divisive rhetoric would build barriers between us. I worried that those of us livin...