By Brandon K. Hersey
Seattle School Board, District 7 Director
As a child, my family attended Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Church in Hattiesburg, Mississippi. I vividly remember a portrait of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. hanging in the foyer. I often marveled at the portrait as we waited to enter the service after Sunday school, reading the caption embossed on a gold plaque underneath it, which read something along the lines of “Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. – Leader, Teacher, Friend.”
As we celebrate the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., it is crucial to reflect on the profound and lasting impact he has had on various facets of American society. While Dr. King is primarily remembered for his pivotal role in the civil rights movement, his contributions and impact on public education in America cannot be understated. Dr. King’s unwavering commitment to equality and justice has left an indelible mark on the educational landscape, shaping policies and attitudes that continue to resonate today, especially within Seattle Public Schools.
Dr. King’s vision extended beyond desegregation; he understood that true equality could only be achieved through an equitable and inclusive education system. In his famous “I Have a Dream” speech, delivered at the Lincoln Memorial in 1963, Dr. King articulated a vision where children would not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character. This vision inherently called for a restructuring of the educational system, demanding equal opportunities for all students, regardless of their racial or socio-economic backgrounds. Now, more than 60 years later, through the tireless work and advocacy of organizations such as Washington Ethnic Studies Now, SPS’s Office of African American Male Achievement, the NAACP Youth Council, and many others, we have made great strides toward realizing Dr. King’s vision. However, we still have further to climb.
Dr. King also recognized that achieving equality required addressing the systemic racism that perpetuated educational disparities. Dr. King advocated for adequate funding, quality teachers, and equal resources for all schools, irrespective of their location or the demographics of the student body. His emphasis on the importance of education as a tool for empowerment resonated with communities across the nation, sparking a grassroots movement for educational equity. I am proud to work alongside a board and Superintendent who share these values intrinsically. Seattle’s children deserve an educational system that not only recognizes the critical importance of addressing these disparities, but is willing to do the work necessary to eliminate them.
The concept of ethnic studies, promoting the understanding and appreciation of diverse cultures and intertwining them into the core curriculum, can also be traced back to Dr. King’s vision of unity and equality. He envisioned an education system that embraced diversity and fostered cultural understanding, preparing students to thrive in a pluralistic society. In the decades following his activism, educators have increasingly recognized the importance of integrating diverse perspectives into their classrooms and curriculum to create an inclusive learning environment that reflects the rich diversity of our Seattle community.
While progress has been made, challenges persist in achieving Dr. King’s vision of a truly equitable education system. Disparities in funding, systemic racism, and lack of access to educational opportunities continue to plague marginalized communities. The fight for educational justice remains an ongoing struggle, requiring sustained commitment and advocacy.
As we commemorate Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s legacy, it is essential to recognize the strides made in transforming public education. His tireless efforts laid the foundation for a more inclusive and equitable system, inspiring generations of educators, activists, and policymakers to continue the fight for educational justice. However, the journey is far from over, and it is our collective responsibility to carry forward Dr. King’s vision, ensuring that every child has the opportunity to receive a high-quality education.