The Rookery

"The way to right wrongs is to turn the light of truth upon them."' – Ida B. Wells

This quote stopped me in my tracks when I visited the National Museum of African American History & Culture. It's written in foot high letters on one of the most prominent walls of the museum.  It's all by itself.*

If we were in school on Juneteenth, it would be a natural time to have conversations about slavery, the long struggle for Black freedom, the impact of enslavement on our country, Reconstruction, civil rights, social justice… I miss the Herons this morning. They ask questions that get to the heart of an issue. Their curiosity often uncovers things that I don't yet know about. Our conversations most often serve as starting points, not ending points.

I hope that your day will have the opportunity for conversations with your Heron. Here is a great resource from the National Museum of African American History on Juneteenth. It goes well beyond the basic story of "news of emancipation reaching Texas" and begins to explore June 19 as a moment in the African American struggle for freedom — not the moment freedom was achieved.

Northfield Public Schools is hosting a dinner and talk this evening – Northfield High School auditorium. 5-5:45 free meal to first 100 attendees. 6-6:45 – Juneteenth lecture by Dr. Yolanda Williams, professor of African American literature, art, and history at the University of Minnesota. The Herons loved the opportunities they had to learn from experts in the field this year and I think they would all be ready for a "grown up" event like this.

*Ida B. Wells would make an excellent personal project for your Heron. You can read more about her here.