St. Catherine's White Former Faculty for Black Faculty and Students

Class of ‘94 Middle School science and math 2000-2007

Hope to see St. Catherine’s be an instrument of change for the advancement of social justice

If not now, when? Too many yesterdays have passed without enough change. I firmly support and commit to helping to further the aims of this petition. Steve Cambisios [Economic Education Coordinator 1988-2013]

Retirement begins 7/1/20

Diversity and inclusion can be carefully curated (from language to curriculum to people) but anti-racism begins at home. As Faulkner said, ‘Somethings you must always be unable to bear.” We must ALL support these powerful young women and their resolute voices.

I am reminded that St. Catherine's was on the forefront of school desegregation. This was not only in line with its mission as a Christian School, but took considerable courage as the school was vilified for its decision. It is my hope that the school will be a force for change in our city and country, honoring the commitment it made so long ago and refuse to bow to those who fail to understand the urgency of this need.

Lower School Receptionist - 2008-2015 Part of Lower School Chaplin Team 2013-2015 Member of Lower School and All School Inclusion Committees Assisted in facilitating 3rd and 4th graders weekly LS Inclusion Class 2013-2015

Much work needs to be done but certainly in coordination with the current efforts of the school.

Where in me are the markers of living in a world shaped to favor those who look like me? Perhaps when I hesitated, even for half a breath, to love my neighbor by supporting this petition. God forgive me.

Hi, Joe! Miss seeing you walking the dog on the Hill! I hope your experiences aren't too bitter to be a part of the second part of our letter. Let me know if you want to chat about the intentions of the partner-mentor commitment. Much love to your family. -- Cynthia

Yes. We are called by Jesus Christ and our Presiding Bishop to the Way of Love. Yes. I sign this and commit to further the aims. As Gussie and Bill above say-it's our work, and we must step up. I read this letter as directive but also as invitational: it is work the whole community must do. Martha Jones Burford, Class of '82, English and Music Faculty 1991-2006, 2016-17 Aspirant for Vocational Diaconate, Diocese of Southwestern Virginia

This is long, long, Long overdue. Having lived and worked all over the country before working at St. Catherine's, I can say that I had never before (or since) been affiliated with a more disgustingly racist institution. The racism was usually subtle, and probably unintentional, but was unmistakable to anyone socially mature enough to recognize it. I could cite example after example, but choose not to revisit those dark days.

Class of 2000 & MS History Teacher

One afternoon several Springs ago, Augustine, my oldest grandchild came home from his Washington DC elementary school wondering about an earnest conversation that most of his classmates were having with one or both parents. It was called “The Talk.” Not having experienced The Talk himself, Augustine asked at home what that could be about. Speaking only for myself, I can tell you his grandfather had not a clue. I am still shaken by the fact that it had to be explained to me that ‘The Talk’ is a standard part of an African American young person’s growing up. That children approaching the age of driver’s licenses have to be routinely warned that their very lives depend on meticulously obeying police instructions to the letter seemed to this ancient caucasian product of segregated public education to be melodramatic overkill. But subsequent conversations with friends at St, Philips Episcopal Church and other Black congregations have yielded an avalanche of personal stories that made the necessity of The Talk all too clear. What still haunts me is how little I recognized that the experience and perceptions of a major segment of the population were simply not on my screen. As the evening news is attesting night after night, race continues as our country’s elephant in the living room and our denial of that is clearly dangerous - a terrible legacy to risk passing onto our children. The Rev. Phoebe Roaf, once Rector of St, Philips and now Bishop of West Tennessee, reminded me more than once that Blacks had done quite enough to convince Whites to reframe our national self understanding. It was time for White Folks to step up. So yes, I’ll sign this petition and do what I can to further its aims. The Rev. Bill Wells [Chaplain to St. Catherine’s, 1994-2007]

If ever there were a time, it is now.

This is our work to do, so let us know how we can help.

English and Diversity, Equity & Inclusion 2009-2019