Thankful for Indy School Alum

Dear Black & Latinx Alum,

"Returning to independent schools is crucial." stated Independent Trust's Trina Gary at our 2019 RIISE Brunch & Beach on Martha’s Vineyard. She went on to say that alumni of color have tremendous power disrupting and transforming communities for good. We agree!

Many alumni of color hesitate to return because of unresolved issues navigating an independent school. But, even before writing that first alumni development check, we hope they physically show up focusing on concrete ways to create a legacy that helps current, and future students have more equitable and fulfilling experiences.

The fact remains that many students of color, in particular, Black and Latinx, struggle socially and emotionally as they excel academically in schools where the predominant culture is white. College freshman and indy school alum, Elon Collins returned to the indy school world to share her experiences and process for publishing a book of poetry + art about being a black girl educated at a PWI (predominantly white institution).

The ‘gratefulness factor’ was something she cautioned against as an obstacle to returning. The idea is that the privilege of experiencing an elite education should somehow prevent you from being honest about your experience is false.

Collins challenges this notion indicating that the ability to critique is something that is loving and a clear indication of caring enough to make it better.

She also emphasized that academic is social. In other words, the refrain that many parents of color evoke when they don't quite know what to do or say is -’you're at school to learn not to socialize,’ is not quite reality. Alum of color can quickly identify with the social nature of a learning environment.

The fact remains that in addition to excelling academically, Black and Latinx students are developing ways to cope with the signals that say they are not as valued as they're white peers, as evidenced by the centering of whiteness in curriculum and being among the numerical minority.

Alumni of color have the full attention of current students, the development office, and leadership. They are a valuable resource to both the institution and students who are winning while challenged by both navigating and critiquing culture.

In her research-based feature article for The Atlantic, Dani McClain recounts an interview with Aya de Leon, who directs Poetry for the People, an arts and activism program at UC Berkeley’s African American Studies Department. De Leon said, “If you’re in a hood school, the harms are clear, and you know when they’re happening that you’re being harmed,” she said, and pointed to physical fights and subpar academic offerings as among the problems. “In these white environments, you’re being harmed, and you don’t even know it because you think there is something wrong with you. [You think] if only you could get these white people to like you,” then everything would be okay.

Success and struggle are the reward and risk of attending a predominantly white school. Every time we have the pleasure of connecting with an indy school alum, they confirm a shared lived experience -a legacy. Alumni of color can celebrate the victories with us while disrupting the battle.

We are tremendously thankful for this partnership with you.

XO,

RIISE