1.24.20

I often think about how much Dr. King accomplished before his assassination at the age of 39. He gave many powerful sermons and speeches as he led the civil rights movement, but I personally am moved most by his sermon, “Drum Major Instinct,” which he delivered two months before his death. In that speech, he talks about our human instinct to “want to be important, to surpass others, to achieve distinction, to lead the parade.” That instinct often leads to exclusion of others. Dr. King goes on to say that if he is to be a drum major, he wants to be known as “a drum major of justice”--a person who lived his life by serving the poor, the imprisoned, and the hungry.

 

Through our school’s Quaker practices and the testimonies of peace, integrity, and equality, we strive to educate and provide opportunities for FCS students to become drum majors for justice. On Wednesday, I witnessed us living our Quaker values and our mission during our day-long celebration of Dr. King’s life. Our 8th graders re-enacted the 1963 March on Washington; students in grades 3-8 and teachers read the poems of Langston Hughes and Maya Angelou and those of their own creation; and the entire school’s March on Westchester Park Drive culminated the day with songs, protest, reflection, and community.

 

 

In Peace and Partnership,

 

Angela