Change of Plans

For the fifth year of #31DaysIBPOC, I was going to write about how I’d made the decision to homeschool/unschool my Black boy and how that decision was the best one I have ever made. I should have made it sooner. We are slowly discovering what freedom and learning look like and how it happens everywhere, all the time. And about how oppressive systems can nearly destroy Black boys if someone doesn’t step in to affirm, liberate, and advocate for them. 

Then, my nephew, Clinton, was killed on May 5. He was only 21 years old.

Now, I’m living in the horror of the after and I really don’t want to write about anything other than this:

We loved him so much. He was our everything. We are devastated….

So, between writing his obituary, his eulogy, and the language for his mother and siblings’ (my sister and my niece and nephew) Go Fund Me, I have no more words.

Thank you to everyone who has reached out, has spoken this beautiful, beloved child’s name, has hugged their own children. 

Thank you, especially, to my dear friend Tricia, who has carried on the administration of 31 Days while I have barely been able to get up most days. Thank you to our writers and supporters of this site. If you’re looking for PD providers, please consider all the 31 Days folks! They are experts! The essays have been moving and important. I appreciate the love of the community that buoys us all, and has buoyed me, especially, during this time.

This blog post is part of the #31DaysIBPOC Blog Series, a month-long movement to feature the voices of indigenous and teachers of color as writers and scholars. Please CLICK HERE to read yesterday’s blog post by Dr. Tracey Flores(and be sure to check out the link at the end of each post to catch up on the rest of the blog series).