Equity and Anti-Racism Task Force

Greetings Families! The Equity and Anti-Racism Task Force meets monthly and includes parents, teachers and administrators who seek to encourage conversations about and embed equity and anti-racist practices across the school community. If you are interested in joining us, please email hyde.addison@k12.dc.gov or join on Konstella by going to “Directory” and browsing “Committees.”

For a compilation of celebrations of Native American Heritage across DC's cultural institutions and to learn more about the United States' Indigenous population, visit https://nativeamericanheritagemonth.gov/

This PBS page discusses how to center truth, connection and being grateful during Thanksgiving. It also has an excellent collection of resources to share with children. https://www.pbssocal.org/education/talking-to-kids-about-thanksgiving-center-truth-connection-and-being-grateful

This list of book recommendations for adults includes Indigenous authors from beyond the United States. https://chireviewofbooks.com/2019/11/18/22-books-by-indigenous-writers-to-read-right-now/

Another recommendation just for adults is the new brilliantly funny TV series, Reservation Dogs. Every director, writer and series regular actor is Indigenous. https://www.fxnetworks.com/shows/reservation-dogs

Books

Hyde Addison teachers have compiled a list of their favorite books related to Native American Heritage month. Please use the link below.

Read Alouds

Author, Monique Gray Smith shares her love of telling stories and reads aloud her new book, When We Are Kind. -https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KVWvUvj5dN4

When I was Eight, by Christy Jordan-Fenton & Margaret Pokiak-Fenton. Based on the true story of Margaret Pokiak-Fenton's cruel treatment at school and her determination to read. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1-l88X0JVSo

“We’re just the same.” – One Hyde-Addison 2nd grader’s response as to why her new best friend of a different race is such a good friend.

Does your family or student have any stories, holidays or traditions to share, related to their race or ethnicity? Please share any photos or videos related to your celebrations via email: hyde.addison@k12.dc.gov.

October

• Filipino American History Month
• Italian-American Heritage and Culture Month
• LGBT History Month
• Polish American Heritage Month
• Indigenous People’s Day (October 11, 2021)

November

• Native American Heritage Month
• Diwali (November 4, 2021)
• Transgender Day of Remembrance (November 20, 2021)
• Native American Heritage Day (November 26, 2021)
• Hanukkah (November 28 - December 6, 2021)

December

• Rosa Parks Day (December 1, 2021)
• Christmas (December 25, 2021)
• Kwanzaa (December 26, 2021-January 1, 2022)
• Watch Night (December 31, 2021)

Disclaimer: The Hyde-Addison ES Equity and Anti-Racism Task Force is an independent group not associated with DCPS and any viewpoints or activities associated with this group are not endorsed by DCPS.