AAFID Debrief Feedback Session

We may be setting a precedence for the future and need to host assemblys for all the
other months
o I dont see this as a bad idea. All staff has the ability to create or start assemblies
or any other event for all cultures. Every tradition had a first time.
o I think we should host assemblies for all affinity groups- racial/ethnic as it sends
the message that they are valued despite historical systemic racism.
o We have MOSIAC as a multi-cultural celebration. I will concede that any BHM
programming could be folded into the Art Crawl or MOSAIC, but BHM is Monthspecific.
Someone agreed with above statement
o Absolutely. This would be great. But just because all of these assemblies are not
being planned/piloted simultaneously doesnt mean we shouldnt move forward
with the ones that are ready.
o Sounds good to me. For everyone to feel a part of something there they need to
see themselves in the school.
Teachers may be concerned that we are using class time for a program that could be
perceived as a variety or talent show, it should be substantive with a learning
outcome
o Agreed. Why not do something for the whole community.
o The perception of the program was different than what was planned; therefore
it would behoove the planners to better convey the scope and purpose of the
event.
o Development is development. If the school community wants to participate or
needs to participate is the issue. We should All want to participate so class time
lost is about development. So what is lost is gained.
o Events like this are valuable learning experiences for the whole RHS community.
o Why are people assuming this wouldnt be substantive or educational? An
assembly about African/African American culture is very valuable, educational,
and important. Furthermore, making any culture feel more included might get
them to buy in and connect to the school.
o Better marketing could have solved this problem. However the value it
empowering/supporting students talents far outweighs the negative.
Concern that we (and the District) are doing so much for BHM and did not do anything
like that for Hispanic Heritage or Native American Heritage months
o We must be inclusive and expansive versus saying, why THEM and not US?
Someone agreed w/above statement
o Develop and celebrate affirming groups throughout the year to solve this
perceived problem.
o Spanish Heritage class is a unique opportunity offered at RHS all year for the
native Spanish-speaking students.
o We have to start somewhere perhaps BHM this time and Native American
Heritage next time.

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AAFID Debrief Feedback Session

o Its up to the people or the person coordinating the events. A natural buy in
should be the participation. Embrace all cultures; support all cultures, all the
time. But 1 person should not be led. All should be a part if possible.
o There needs to be something done for them. They are struggling the most in the
district. Also, anyone could have suggested a similar activity for other cultures.
Because I did not invite the entire school community to participate in the planning,
there could be concerns that deter from our efforts to build one community
o I felt we should include the community with everything we do. But I understand
the direct approach.
o Invite all and see who comes to plan. It might be -/o time
o ALL SHOULD be invited to the table.
o It was developing and in progress. Most things start with a few peoples ideas
that are brought to a broader community.
Concern that we might perpetuate stereotypes of African-American people as those
people sure can sing and dance etc.
o What about a mosaic celebrating to all?
o This comment itself seems a bit ignorant. But on another note, there can and
would have been other representations of the Culture. The same as there would
be and are for other cultural events.
o If completed in the wrong context. But this event was planned, communicated,
and we cannot counter other peoples thoughts or ideas. They come with the
thoughts they come with.
o Dancing and singing is part and parcel of AA culture. It was not ALL the program
was featuring, but it shouldnt be diminished by the fear that we perpetuate a
stereotype.
Someone agreed with this statement.
Suggested we consider calling the gathering a Multicultural Assembly to recognize
BHM and be more inclusive
o No. This assembly focuses on African-American Black diaspora contributions.
o February is Black History Month the name is entirely appropriate.
o Do separate events for each group
o No. Black History Month.
Two people agreed with this comment.
o No. Why does it need to include others when it was during a month specifically
for Blacks? The Nation recognizes it, why cant we?
o This all just didnt make any sense to me at all. February = BHM, have a
celebration for the young African-American students. Help them become more
culturally aware of their heritage. For it to be denied, and have a lunch period to
invite parents (who worked at that time) is almost a slap in the face, in regards
to the idea.
Concern that not all students were invited to try out or participate
o There are many groups that target specific cultures, ethnicities, etc. Why is it
suddenly a problem when something targets African Americans?

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AAFID Debrief Feedback Session

o Why was it that not all students were invited, maybe some would want to
participate.
o Could include All but it is a directed Approach. Sometimes people question too
much and dont get involved.
o If we had a pep rally to celebrate the basketball team would we be concerned
about not inviting the soccer team?
Concern that only African American students might be reflected in the program and
not our African students
o The program was for the African Diaspora which is the Black experience in All its
permutations.
o Educate all so everyone knows
o That seems to be an assumption rather than fact. The point was to include all
from African descent.
o Not true. African American History is History- American History. All were
included.
o African Diaspora. Afro-Latino etc.

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