Dear CO-ALAS familia, 

The recent weeks and days have been gut wrenching and heartbreaking. And once again, we are witnessing devastating injustices in our cities and around our nation. The Colorado Association of Latino/a/x Administrators and Superintendents stands in solidarity with our brothers and sisters of color who are voicing their anguish and anger with systems that oppress and devalue Black lives. At this pivotal moment for our country, we stand with educators, students, families, and school districts against racial inequality. 

In these times of turmoil and controversy, I remind us all of our mission and our collective impact as an organization to advocate for quality and equitable public education for all students but more specifically for our underserved black and brown children. We believe that equitable access to education can transform communities and our nation as a whole. As an organization, we exist to provide leadership development, advocacy, and a proactive voice for Latinx and non-Latinx leaders who have a passion for serving students of color. Our vision and our highest hopes in creating pathways for Latinx leaders to rise into educational leadership positions will translate into more welcoming and inclusive school communities for all.

And yet, we acknowledge the harsh reality that education will not bring back the lives we’ve lost. In light of the ongoing acts of violence against the Black community, including the recent killings of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, and Ahmaud Arbery, our prayers go out to their families and loved ones. We all have a duty to dismantle racism and help carry this weight. Black Lives Matter. 

To our educator colleagues grappling with how to handle this moment of sadness and trauma, we have gathered a list of resources that may offer you guidance: 

• ¡Colorín Colorado! Talking About Racism and Violence with Students: Resources for Educators

• PBS Newshour provides lessons for 6th-12th graders around the murder of George Floyd and ensuing protests

• How do We Teach our Children Anti-Racism? These Resources Will Help

• How Latinx People Can Fight Anti-Black Racism in Our Own Culture

• How to Talk to Kids About Racism and Protests: An Age-by-Age Guide

• 10 Best Books on Anti-Racism

• Teaching Tolerance provides a package on teaching about race, racism, and police violence

• 20 Children's Books to Spark Conversations About Race + Tolerance

• Books to Help School-Aged Children Understand Racism

• Facing History and Ourselves provides resources for educators on the history of racism in our country along with this specific teaching idea to reflect on George Floyd’s death.

The bonds of our CO-ALAS familia are as strong as our allegiance to our communities and to one another. There is a lot more that we can and must do. We are dedicated to using our platform to create meaningful change for the students and families we represent. In support of our Black colleagues, students, and parents, CO-ALAS is devoted to serving as an organization where courageous conversations are both allowed and encouraged. Our collective voice lies in our commitment to ensuring the best outcomes for the diverse communities we serve.

Together we will be a part of positive change. 

Regala luz,