Dear TC Community Members,
Beginning a new semester just after Martin Luther King Jr. Day is always a source of inspiration. As we honor Dr. King, whose tireless and courageous fight for civil rights and equity continues to call us to action, I look forward to the Teachers College community resuming our work to combat the education, health and economic disparities that plague our society. Over the long weekend, I encourage us to reflect on Dr. King’s life and work, as well as the lessons and hope gained by his legacy. In “Letter from Birmingham Jail” (April 1963), Dr. King writes, “Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere. We are caught in an inescapable network of mutuality, tied in a single garment of destiny.”
This semester, we will continue to forge that garment of destiny. As we strive to create greater educational equity, to strengthen critical access to mental and physical health resources, and to build a more sustainable world, let us be reminded of our interconnectedness and the meaningful impact of our work in our communities. Together, we are helping to build the more just world envisioned by Dr. King, and now is the time to keep going.
At Teachers College this semester, you’ll have additional opportunities to get involved and take action, and in the nearterm I look forward to seeing community members coming together to engage on issues of racial justice at:
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A documentary screening of “Children at the Crossroads of Change” and discussion, co-sponsored by the Office of the Vice Dean for Teacher Education and the Office of the Vice President for Diversity and Community Affairs
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The Black Education Research Center: “It's Time to Build a New House: A Framework for Learning and Liberation"
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TC Take Action: Advocate in solidarity for Asian American Pacific Islander Curriculum in NY featuring Senator John Liu
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The 7th Annual Oratorical & Spoken Word Event Honoring Dr. Martin Luther King (details to come, students submissions accepted here)
I hope you will join us as you are able, and in turn, take care of yourselves and one another. I look forward to seeing you on campus next week.
Warmly,
Thomas Bailey
President, Teachers College