As local schools close for Indigenous Peoples’ Day (or Native American Day in Prince George‘s County, Maryland) on Oct. 12, why is it important that educators and advocates work to change the narrative on indigenous groups in the U.S.?
Parkar Griffin, North Carolina
“As the saying goes, ‘we are not free, until we are all free.’ Every day I advocate for all Black people in the diaspora, and that also includes the minorities/other disenfranchised people in this country. We as a country cannot be equal until we reeducate ourselves of the oppression of the founding people of our country.”
Kehinde Jones, Atlanta
“Especially as people of color, educating ourselves on these topics is essential in staying woke and making sure we’re treating everyone with the respect they deserve in this country.”
Devin Knowles, Washington, D.C.
“It is important that the narrative be changed for indigenous people because they deserve recognition for all they went through in this country.”
Tyrell James, Prince George’s County, Maryland
“This country was built on their backs, and the backs of other people of color. Giving them/us recognition is just the first step into giving us our full honor.”
Compiled by Draia Shelton
