A Response to Chris Andrade's Letter in the July Issues About Racism

I am writing to thank Chris Andrade for his thoughtful and eye-opening letter sharing his experiences with racism in our community and schools. Your message opened my mind and heart to the privileges of indifference and silence that I have benefited as a white member of our town and society. I want to stand in solidarity with Mr. Andrade in his desire and hope for a community that listens and feels empathy towards its neighbors. Mr. Andrade ends his message by saying that although things have improved, “our work is not finished.” I hope that this message can be a call to action for us to come together against racism for more open and honest communication and listening within our schools, classrooms and community forums to bring racism out of the shadows and challenge it with our united voices and collective will.

Sincerely,
Lisa Sirois