Letter from the Executive Director

June 2020

We know how to be racist.

We know how to pretend to be not racist.

Now let's know how to be antiracist.

-Ibram X. Kendi

Hello!

I want to share the writing of NAMLE's board member, Dr. Kimberly Moffitt , Professor and Chair of the Language, Literacy, and Culture Doctoral Program at University of Maryland, Baltimore County. She shared these words with WYPR in Baltimore on June 2, just a week after George Floyd was killed.

For Black Mothers by Dr. Kimberly Moffitt

This 90 seconds is dedicated to the Black mothers who heard George Floyd call out, in agony, for his “mama” and knew there was nothing she (nor we) could do for him.

Mama. Mommy. Mom. That moniker we grow fatigued hearing called out incessantly, but that we long to receive when our children are in despair. Whether it be a skinned knee, a failed venture, or even police brutality, that name represents comfort, guidance, and a place of refuge for many.

So this is for those Black mothers who only receive media attention when publicly mourning the loss of their child, yet are never seen for their undying commitment, love, and care for them.

This is for those Black mothers who live with a constant pit in their stomach worrying if their son or husband will make it home unscathed after a routine traffic stop.

And this is for those Black mothers raising sons and daughters who will have to navigate an unjust society that strives to dim their children’s brilliance and ability simply because of their blackness.

I hear you. I see you. I am you. And I stand with you knowing the work to love and protect our babies, regardless of their age, is overwhelming, but it is also awe-inspiring. And I thank you.

Thank YOU, Kimberly, for these words. Please take a moment to listen to them here .

Like many, I picked up the book How to be an Antiracist by Ibram X. Kendi in early June. I am committed to educating myself and being antiracist. I know I am flawed and have a lot to learn. As Kendi says, "Being an antiracist requires persistent self-awareness, constant self-criticism, and regular self-examination." This work is important for me as a human being, a mother, wife, daughter, sister and friend. It is also important to me as the Executive Director of a national organization committed to media literacy education for all.

As I said earlier this month, the issues of race, social justice, equity, and inclusion are central to media literacy education and have always been. But there is so much more we can and must do to end the systemic racism in our country. If you'd like to share your thoughts on how NAMLE can best demonstrate our commitment to social justice, feel free to reach out to me.

NAMLE aims to see media literacy highly valued and widely practiced. In June, we made a few announcements and shared important reports; moving us closer to that goal.

NATIONAL MEDIA LITERACY ALLIANCE: On June 2, we announced the launch of the National Media Literacy Alliance. The Alliance is a network of leading education associations united in an effort to advance media literacy education as a necessary element of a complete 21st-century education in America. I am so proud of the group of dynamic organizations that have joined. The full press release can be found here .

INTERNATIONAL RESEARCH PROJECT: On June 9, we announced an international research initiative to assess the current state of media literacy education in the United States and Australia. This is an amazing opportunity to dig deeper into media literacy practice, assessment and understanding. To read more about the incredible research teams and focus of each project click here.

MEDIA LITERACY IN EARLY CHILDHOOD REPORT: Published by the Technology in Early Childhood Center at the Erikson Institute, this report is intended to utilize media literacy, child development, and early education efforts to propel media literacy in early childhood. NAMLE had the opportunity to partner with TEC Center on these efforts. Read the full report here.

DEMOCRACY READY NY: Developing Digital Citizens: Media Literacy Education for All Student s, a new report from DemocracyReady NY , calls for immediate and decisive steps to require media literacy education in schools throughout New York State. I'm really proud to have been a small part of these efforts in my home state. I believe this report can be helpful to those trying to advocate for media literacy education in their state. Read the full report here .

Wishing you well,

Michelle Ciulla Lipkin

Executive Director

mciullalipkin@namle.ne

@medialiteracyed

@ciullalipkin

National Association for Media Literacy Education

Visit us on the web | Email us