When is the last time you saw a student with trisomy 21 on the field playing drums? When you grew up, were gender non-conforming, male presenting students allowed to be a part of color guard or dance team? Were Afrocentric hairstyles represented on the field—even gracing the heads of Eurocentric students? Were girls even drum majors?
Bands of America Represent!
This week, I got a needed rest from the toil of fighting to elevate the voices of all students. This week, I went to the Bands of America Super Regionals and unexpectedly got to bask in the progress that I often miss, while helping others to see what still needs to be fixed in the areas of diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging. For that, I am grateful.
How can you be a part of this progress? How can you make room on your campuses for cultures and stories that have traditionally been missing in our country’s classrooms?
Here are three resources to help you increase representation in the performing arts.
Add classical music by composers who are not White males to your repertoire.
Study famous artists who are not White or European.
Use this Quizlet as a jumping off place to research minoritized playwrights. Then, select one act plays by writers of non-European descent for UIL.
And for all other contents, here is a collection of resources for all contents looking for ways to highlight traditionally non-centered narratives.
As we celebrate another ’cultural month’ with dedicated to Native American History, let’s remember that representation matters all year.
And btw, don’t forget to vote. Here is my favorite resource, the Ballotpedia sample ballot tool.
And if you have problems at the pools, call or text 866-OUR-VOTE (866-687-8683) to speak with a trained Election Protection volunteer.