DCSD hosts Black Lives Matter Week of Action 2022

DEKALB COUNTY, GA– The second annual Black Lives Matter at DeKalb Schools Week of Action kicked off today, Jan. 31, and will be held virtually through Feb. 4, in the DeKalb County School District (DCSD). The week-long event features daily Black Lives Matter school-based instructional activities, including a social media celebration of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and a celebration of Black-owned businesses in DeKalb County.

An array of dynamic speakers and topics has been curated around this year’s theme, “Celebrating Black Contributions to America.” The virtual symposium will include speakers and topics for individuals to engage in and learn more about African Americans’ impact in America. Some of those sessions include African American History & Heritage, Black People and STE(A)M, Mental Wellness in Black Communities, Wealth Equity in the Black Community, and Unbalanced Judicial and Legislative Systems.

“After our success in 2020, we’re excited to host once again a week that celebrates the beautiful diversity in DeKalb County School District,” Superintendent Cheryl Watson-Harris said. “Black Lives Matter at DeKalb Schools Week of Action 2022 gives our scholars and staff an opportunity to recognize racial and social injustices in our communities, but also a platform to celebrate our wonderful achievements.”

Black Lives Matter began as a social media hashtag in 2013 in response to the fatal shooting of 17-year-old Trayvon Martin by a neighborhood watch coordinator in Sanford, Fla. The social media movement transformed into a global organization with the goal to build power to bring justice, healing, and freedom to Black people across the globe. The Board of Education adopted the resolution for Black Lives Matter at DeKalb Schools Week of Action on July 13, 2020.

“I am proud to be a part of a district that encourages courageous conversations concerning systemic racism, racial injustice, ethnic bias, and so much more. The DCSD Black Lives Matter Week of Action showcases great discussions and equips our students to be the voice of change. I’m excited that we are equipping our scholars with the tools they need to address stereotypes and stigmas so that they can reach their fullest potential,” DeKalb County Board of Education Vice Chair Diijon DaCosta said.

For more information on “Black Lives Matter At DeKalb Schools Week of Action 2022,” visit https://www.dekalbschoolsga.org/news/black-lives-matter-at-dekalb-schools/.