It Matters Who Is Voted On This Board . . .

I’ve always wondered how the Queen City could have such progressive people yet run such an archaic educational system. I have stood floored by a body that has the most important task in Charlotte, audaciously make decisions without putting our most precious first. A board that has wasted millions on superintendents truly has forgotten how to advocate for children. I said it. And for this very reason, I did everything in my power to pull together $30,000 to send my son to private school. He is not an experiment. 
Now, anyone who would be bold enough to step in such a race I commend.  And in the fashion of “Tik Tok” I polk you in the head and say “fix it” Board Members. 
Shamaiye Haynes was a dear friend of mine and we battled the education madness at Movement School some years ago. We haven’t spoken in a while but I watched her continue to work, building a message. I know the love she has for children as she often sent love to mine. I know she is smart as a whip, based on her former work but most of all I know she is conscious, recognizing the disparities and inequities in education in our community but is she ready? Is she ready for this oppressive, bureaucratic system, that fills the board table with Black faces but runs classes like it’s the Jim Crow south? Is she ready to tackle the illegal practices perpetrated on children with exceptionalities and disabilities that are ignored in even the best of schools? Is she ready to bring true advocacy to a board that’s resistance has held thousands of children back?  I say she is and I am willing to give up the role of her friend to see her do it because there is an account in this position.   Once you win, Ms. Haynes you have to impact our children. You must continue to be accessible and fair. You need to stand on your “why” and not get caught up in the Charlotte who, knows who, like so many. But most importantly you CAN’T forget the very least of us under these titles; the kids. Black Line News endorses Shamaiye Haynes for School Board 2023. You got this sis.