Dear Joe Clark

Dear Joe Clark, 

The headlines for this year are centering the decline in Black Male Educators in public education across the country. 

We know the attack on DEI and intentional reversal of the work done to increase restorative justice as opposed to pushing more Black children into the school to prison pipeline. 

Personal preferences that once again make our individuality and uniqueness areas of scrutiny to be banned through books to silence our stories and stop the advancement of Black intellectuals, doctors, healers, entrepreneurs, families and culture. 

When I reflect on Joe Clark, his stern yet confident demeanor that quite frankly looked an oppressive, racist system in the eyes and said, “Fuck this bullshit, I’ve got to do what’s best for Black and brown children to survive!” 

But when the Joe Clark’s of this generation have stood up in the eyes of oppression, we must simply do more than like their posts or mugshots of being arrested for the homeless, displaced, disabled, disadvantaged and disrespected to get the justice they deserve. 

We must stand with them. 

Standing with Black male educators and teachers means challenging policies in public education that prevent them from being able to teach, reach and mentor our children. It means advocating for teacher base pay to be increased, for public school dollars to be used for the personalized learning of children supporting teachers, educators and approved contractors that are led for and by us. 

We cannot expect a spirit of excellence and sacrifice like Joe Clark had decades ago if we aren’t willing to make the investment in education. 

Reclaiming and reshaping the image of teachers and value in education begins with us. 

HEADLINE:

Jason B. Allen was raised in Atlanta, Georgia. He is a 20 year veteran educator and National Director of Partnerships for the National Parents Union.  He has served as a classroom Language Arts, Reading and Special Education teacher, District Administrator, School Administrator, board member and Chair of Ivy Prep Academy network. Jason earned his Bachelor of Arts in English and Masters of Art of Teaching Special Education. He is the Board Chair for Lillie’s Foundation.