Precious Knowledge: Lauren, Adama, Jennifer, Megan, and Analie

“You are my other me, if I do harm to you, I do harm to myself, if I love and respect you, I love and respect myself” – Luis Valdez

This snippet of Valdez’s poem entitled The Other Me spoke volumes, as it was expressed within the documentary Precious Knowledge. As I reflect, I take the poem’s meaning as one who respects all mankind, respects him or herself and views “all” as children of God. I thought about taking more of a spiritual approach after watching the documentary, and keeping these words within my soul. Valdez’s poem continued to repeat itself throughout the documentary after children were succeeding within their scholastics and finding value within their education. Furthermore I continued to pay more attention to the words as meditation for the adversity that was displayed within the film. Children became advocates for their education, and educators exemplified social justice and how to respect mankind regardless of one oppressing others or uplifting individuals.

During the trial and tribulation these courageous students fought for what was right regardless of the microaggresions during each encounter they had within Arizona’s school district courthouse (courthouse/school district meeting). After watching a young woman (student  of color) express herself to the superintendent and other leaders on Arizona’s Board of Education, I found her to be an empowering figure for all students of color who are marginalized. After she expressed why the board should continue to allow Tucson to keep ethnic study classes, the board stated, “Thank you, you spoke so articulate”. This pissed me off; however, she taught me so much through her actions. I was infuriated! Why couldn’t the board address her argument with answers that had solutions? Why couldn’t the board address the fact that she had valid reasons to how effective these ethnic studies were to student’s success and identity within America? Why didn’t they ask her how this represented America since they were so into stating how these studies taught students acts of being “anti-American”? Instead, they targeted her character as if she should not speak eloquently, as if she were an ignorant Chicana. The system of oppression has been taught to these students and myself in ways that can anger us, yet we as educated activists are fighting for a solution to gain power for generations to come.

The documentary had me on an emotional rollercoaster.  However, that rollercoaster still doesn’t force me to quit and give up, it gives me reassurance that this is my calling. My calling to commit myself to social justice while advocating equality for people of color. The journey is never simple. The power of faith and meditation are the only vehicles that will transport equality and justice within society and education.

In closing, the documentary allowed me to remember it I essential to respect mankind. Regardless of my anger towards those that are oppressing people of color, I have chosen to rise above. The value of humanity is determined by God; therefore, I shall not elicit hatred towards the oppressor, but respect. Through a spiritual lens I will practice patience, faith, peace, and education for myself, counterparts, and future generations.

Tootles,

Lauren

P.S.- Happy Early Holidays!