UPDATED PSU's Call to Witness and Action: Highlights from MLK Day
On Monday, Philadelphia Student Union celebrated Martin Luther King's vision with a spirited rally outside the School District, a 600-person march down Broad Street, and a powerful service at Arch Street Methodist Church. Led by the young leaders of PSU, the event called for peace, justice and an end to all forms of violence. It was co-sponsored by 19 other organizations and attended by students, parents, teachers, and community members from every section of the city--as well as State Representative Vanessa Brown, Democratic candidate for Governor Joe Hoeffel, candidate for State Representative Will Mega, and Philadelphia District Attorney Seth Williams. There were so many inspiring speeches, songs and other moments--what made the biggest impression on you?
In the meantime, here are some photos from Tim Moyer and reflections from Bryan Mercer.
Reverend Robin Hynicka reminded us that the doors of Arch Street Methodist Church remain open for all those who fight for justice. He told us that the doors of the church are open for all those who have a message of peace and justice to be heard across the street in City Hall and throughout any hall of power in our region.
Students, parents, neighbors, and organizers filled the pews of Arch Street Church on Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. day to make that call for justice. Lead by the Philadelphia Student Union, hundred marched in action and then gave witness to the violence and injustice that persist in our city's school district.
"The Philadelphia School District suffers from a deadly drop out rate of 50%, that's extremely unjust. The incident at South Philly High School is unjust. A school being set on fire by frustrated students is unjust. A student at my school being slashed with razor blades is unjust. Sayer High School students being called rioters, and crack babies, by the media and adults is unjust." As Azeem Hill told us from his experience as a high school student.
This is why students made a Call to Witness & Action. Teachers like Shanee Garner answered this call. Dr. King had a vision for education that was "inundated with rights and the spirit of social justice," she said. And so, in her classroom, "we learn about the school to prison pipeline, because for my students to succeed in this world they need to know what systems, by design, will fail them."
The testimony of students like Azeem and teachers like Shana tells us that forty-two years after the assassination of Dr. King his life's work is certainly still incomplete. This unfinished business is the bearing "of a still relevant vision… as in the last days of his life he shifted from a Black Civil Rights leader to a leader that discussed human rights." Savina Martin, a Poverty Scholar for the Poverty Initiative at Union Theological Seminary brought this reflection about Dr. King's life to all those joined in the crowd. King's still relevant vision is now our unfinished business. To achieve justice in our schools requires systematic solutions. Peace can only be achieved through ensuring the human right to a quality education, in non-violent schools, that are liberating instead of domesticating.
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Comments
Great Event PSU!
Thank you PSU for organizing such a beautifully powerful event for all of Philadelphia! You captured the spirit of Dr. Martin Luther King in your call for non-violence in the face of violence -- and for fundamental, lasting changes to education in this city. You reminded all of Philly that we will only see peace when we fight for justice.
My favorite thing about this event was seeing PSU uniting so many in the city and animating the everyone to work together -- for MORE positive changes.
MLK Day was awesome PSU
My favorite part of the event, besides all the amazing speakers, energy and people, was marching with 600 students and community leaders down Broad Street in the sunshine!
Demonstrating your power
PSU, you guys demonstrated the power you as students have to change education policy for yourselves, for all students in this city, and throughout this region and country. What did it feel like to see 600 plus people united before you and led by your vision of the future? I was honored to be led by you and look forward to working in the city and world you build.
My favorite moment -- one shared by some of the other leaders who came to the event and sat and marched with us -- was how you kept elected officials on your program, speaking to your message and vision. Thanks for teaching me so much more about accountability there. You all are amazing.
clarity and vision
Students demonstrated incredible strength and clarity of vision during this action. They have a sophisticated understanding of the root causes of violence in our communities and schools, and they are building a youth movement to end it. These students are leading the way for our city, and I am honored to be working with them every day!