We're reached 300+ signatures!
First, I would like to thank each and every one of you who has signed the petition. It means so much to see the community wants to see this change as well. I was not surprised to read the comments on the petition and see how many of you didn't learn about the history of Oregon as well. I was, however, shocked to see the ways some of you learned that information! A few examples were
- Through a Murder Podcast (this is probably the craziest one. We can't teach our youth about the historical facts but it's on a MURDER podcast?)
-Through their first black teacher (Which didn't happen until JUNIOR YEAR of college)
-Through Instagram
I'm sure there are many more, but the goal of this petition is to get this subject taught in K-12 schools so the students of the future won't need to learn about their states history through Instagram or Podcasts.
I am planning on attempting to get a meeting with the Oregon Department of Education/possibly Kate Brown in the next few months and I am looking for black folx from the community, preferably teachers/professors, (but anyone who is interested is welcome) who would be interested in forming an organization that can be the head of the training for educators to teach this new curriculum. I think it's vital that it's black voices who instruct teachers on how to teach this subject. I will also be discussing a possible permanent opening for positions like this in the Oregon DoE. This is an attempt to open up jobs for black individuals who are interested in helping educate about the history of black people in Portland/all over Oregon.
If anyone knows anyone who would be interested in these positions, please let me know.
Lastly, I know you have all already done so much for the campaign, but I you have 1$/5$/10$ to spare, that would really help boost the campaign and get us to 500 signatures.
Remember, sign petitions, donate and protest if you can! Stay safe out there. Thank you again and I appreciate everything everyone is doing for this campaign!
-Madeline Cano