State Rep. Darisha Parker, D-Philadelphia
www.RepDarisha.com
Recently, I was honored to stand in solidarity with students and teachers represented by the Philadelphia Federation of Teachers, Service Employees International Union, Teamsters from the Commonwealth of School Administration, and their dedicated President, Dr. Robin Cooper, for a Day of Action to protect Philadelphia students and their constitutional right to a free and efficient education.
I’m disheartened by the injustices looming over our children’s future. I’m overwhelmed by seeing the strides and progress we have made struck down with the vindictive stroke of a pen, but at the same time, it’s reassuring to see people across the country standing up to make their voices heard.
The Day of Action, facilitated by the American Federation of Teachers, was a national movement where leaders all over the country stood up and made our point clear: We won’t step down; there’s too much at stake for apathy and inaction. These movements show our strength and resilience, but the most profound effect of collective action is igniting a spark that motivates spectators to stand with us.
Many people are walking on eggshells because of the uncertainty we face as a country, and while it’s imperative to be informed and engaged with the political sphere, we have to act strategically. If you haven’t already, register to vote. Remember that elections happen every two years on the local level,
and mid-term elections are so important because change can only happen from the bottom up.
Take time to find out who your elected leaders are – from city council members to state lawmakers, all the way to the federal government – we elect these people to be our collective voice – let’s be informed voters and elect people who truly represent our common values.
I urge everyone to be proactive and not reactive to the chaos happening around us. We cannot sit in silence, passively watching our country regress until it affects us or someone we love personally. Cohesion is key right now because these attacks against historically marginalized groups are an attack against all of us who want to build a better life – both for us and our children.
Movements such as the Day of Action and other protests around the country are a testament to our society’s ability to put minute differences aside and come together for a common goal. All of us have unique issues and priorities that are dear to our hearts and feelings about policies that directly affect us or the people we love, but the ability to see a bigger picture with results that will ripple throughout future generations must be paramount.
It’s time to have hard conversations, even if they make people uncomfortable, because the truth isn’t always easy to digest. Let’s approach these conversations with an open mind and willingness to compromise on our minute differences so we can work together to be on the right side of history.
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