Many who spend their days on the path around the Falls and were around 50 years ago would agree there was an undeniable energy around the civil rights movement and the inspiration that came from Rev. Martin Luther King Jr.’s “I Have a Dream” speech.
He was a powerful orator and had the passion to go with his words. His life was cut short less than five years later, but the legacy lives on in so many aspects of modern society.
The march on Washington at which the speech was delivered marked the 100-year anniversary of Abraham Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation, which commonly is assumed to have been the official action to end slavery. In fact the document was intended to free the slaves who resided in the states that were still in rebellion to the Union. Thus the action had minimal effect. It wasn’t until the 13th Amendment to the Constitution was ratified in 1865 that slavery was outlawed throughout the nation.
The point that King and other speakers made was that even though slavery had been abolished by the Emancipation Proclamation, Americans of African descent still were not free. King had a dream of the day when they would be truly free, and color of one’s skin did not make any difference.
Fifty years later, we have made much progress, but there are still miles to go in some respects. In the education arena in recent years, there has been sharpened focus on disparity in achievement levels by various groups. As State Superintendent Tony Evers noted in a recent press release, “Students from different background regardless of race, national origin, religion, gender and familial status have rights and access to educational opportunities in our public schools.”
We pride ourselves on the fact that “The mission of the Oconto Falls School District is to provide a high quality comprehensive education program for all students.” That phrase shows up in a number of places and is not meant to be lip service to the concept.
As we begin the new school year, there are many people who have powerful dreams. We suspect there are a good number of students who spent a night or two over the Labor Day weekend tossing and turning, worried about that first day of school and thinking, “Will the other kids like me this year?” “Do I have the right clothes?” “Will the homework be too hard for me?” “Will my teacher like me?” “What will seventh grade be like now that I will have my own personal computer?” “I’ve waited so long for my very first day of school, and it’s almost here.” “I wonder if I will miss my mommy?”
Parents may do a little tossing and turning as they dream, “How can I let go of that little child of mine that has grown so big, and now is off to that first day of school?” “I am so excited and hope that our child will thrive in that learning setting and will grow every day to a higher potential.” “I have great expectations for where that child will go in life. I hope this school year will build on the solid foundation to make that journey.”
Teachers did some tossing, too, thinking, “I hope my room is ready.” “I hope this is a good class coming in.” “I hope I know my students by name at the end of the first week.” “I hope I have a good connection with parents and that I meet their expectations.” “I hope one of these kids grows up to be president.”
Bus drivers have dreams about not missing any student pickup stops. Principals dream about budgets and that people will all get along. Superintendents dream about maintaining quality and that the governor and legislators have not dreamed up new mandates or regulations. Some school people may be dreaming about retirement.
In the end, just before we wake up, we dream of having a great school year with lots of positive experiences, community support, winning sports teams and the hope that every graduate gets a four-year scholarship to a great college. We dream of the day that all students have opportunities Dr. King dreamed about and that each can have a small measure of the passion he had for the good things in life.
Categories
