Tractivists,

I grew up in an almost completely white town. During only a few years (8th grade, 10th grade, 12th grade) did I have ANY African American classmates; they never stayed more than a year. Can’t say that I blame them, not one bit. And I know I’m the poorer for the lack of diversity in my childhood.

It’s different here. When it’s working, kids in NC grow up with opportunities to build friendships across difference, to learn from each other’s experiences, to benefit from shared community resources. So when the new conservative majority of the very divided Wake County School Board won a vote this week to reverse Wake’s nationally recognized diversity policy, they hurled us toward resegregation. Tuesday’s 5-4 vote, assuming it passes a second reading later this month and survives a threatened lawsuit by the NC NAACP, will deepen the gap between rich and poor schools. It’s an enormous step backwards.

For a child’s perspective of racially segregated North Carolina life during a different era, don’t miss the film Blood Done Sign My Name, now in theaters.

What: Blood Done Sign My Name
When: this Sunday @ 3:50pm
Where: Southpoint Cinemas (meet in front of the box office)
RSVPs appreciated: blood@getTraction.org

Tim Tyson’s award-winning memoir of his childhood in Oxford, NC tells of the murder of a black man and how it galvanized and radicalized the African American resistance movement in our state.

Join us this Sunday afternoon — RSVP so we can find each other. Stay tuned for more info on Wake County Schools and how you can help. And for an opportunity to deepen your understanding of race and privilege, write to circles@getTraction.org.

Keep Hope Alive,

Lanya Shapiro
film buff, anti-racist, Tractivist

P.S. Don’t forget to check the NC Public Campaign Fund box on your state tax return. It won’t change your tax bill or refund, and it WILL help take big money out of politics and move us toward voter-owned elections.