Dear St. Elizabeth's Community,

Happy Black History Month! At St. Elizabeth’s, we love that February is a time to highlight the history, achievements, and contributions of Black individuals, and we know that learning Black history is not limited to one month of the year or one aspect of history, it is history. If you haven’t already, check out Celebrating Black Leaders | PBS KIDS for Parents to open up conversations with your child about Black leaders and visit Celebrate Black History | Denver Public Library to put some new resources into your rotation.

This Friday, our middle school students hosted the community for the 2nd Annual Black History Museum—a showcase of students’ research and learning about various people and events connected to Black history. The Museum is a way for younger students and community members to learn more about Black history and for middle school students to share their research, presentation, and public speaking skills. Special thanks to Ms. Winans for leading the middle school through this project. 

In thinking about Black History Month and what I understand its larger purpose to be—a national study and celebration of Black accomplishments, I wonder, what role, if any, schools might have in adding vulnerability to the conversation around what Black excellence and success look like? In her book, Nobody Knows the Trouble I’ve Seen: The Emotional Lives of Black Women (Amistad, June 29, 2021.) Inger Burnett-Zeigler, associate professor of psychiatry and behavioral sciences at Northwestern Feinberg School of Medicine argues that for Black women in particular, upholding the image of being strong and having it all together rather than acknowledging and addressing the stress and trauma so many have experienced, can actually lead to physical or even mental distress. 

As the white-presenting head of a school where we bring children and families and staculty from different backgrounds together, I recognize my perspective and privilege around this topic. I also believe that part of celebrating Black History Month is about humanity getting even more curious. To that end, I would be remiss if I didn’t ask us to consider what we would need to do—individually and as an institution—to create a culture in which anyone who didn’t look or think or behave like us could be vulnerable? In other words, what would it take for all of us to ensure we can strive for and applaud excellence and make room for vulnerability in the process? What are the ramifications for not being “excellent” and what part might all of us play (consciously or unconsciously) in upholding or dismantling societal expectations? At St. Elizabeth’s, we have the power to create new systems and redefine the rules for engagement.

Here’s what I’m reading as I continue to grapple with these questions. I invite your thoughts, questions, and comments. Drop me a line here.

Dear White Woman, Please Come Home

White Supremacy Culture - Still Here.pdf

Black Excellence Is Not Encouraging Like We Think - Girls United

Cross-Racial Understanding and Reduction of Racial Prejudice | Learning for Justice

Best foot forward,

Adriana Murphy

Head of School