So what are we going to do about it? We're going to fight like hell. And not just here in Richmond - all around the state.
In collaboration with the Mayor and City Council, we're working to select a date this fall for a massive march on the Capitol to make our voices heard. Remember the March for Our Lives last year? We want to double or triple the size of that. We'll have details soon so get your marching shoes ready.
We're also working to develop a very intentional lobbying campaign to put pressure on key Assembly members, and we're encouraging grass roots organizations of all kinds to pitch in. One additional way to help is to wear red on Wednesdays in support of #Red4Ed, a statewide campaign to increase funding for our schools.
I think this is an appropriate moment to invoke the words of Dr. King, who famously said:
"We are now faced with the fact that tomorrow is today. We are confronted with the fierce urgency of now. In this unfolding conundrum of life and history, there "is" such a thing as being too late. This is no time for apathy or complacency. This is a time for vigorous and positive action."
This is truly a time for vigorous and positive action. We need all of you - and your neighbors, friends, and colleagues - to join in.
This is about justice for our children. It's about dismantling decades of institutionalized racism. It's about creating a more equitable future for our city and our state.
And the time to act is now.
Ready to fight?
Jason Kamras
RPS Superintendent