Dear Penn Hills Charter School of Entrepreneurship Family,
As a Black man, born and raised in Garfield, a predominantly Black community in the city of Pittsburgh, I am angry and hurt. Like many of you, I’ve struggled to find words to express my feelings, but simply put, racism and inequality is not OK. The recent protest and outcries for justice, remind me that my responsibility as a Black educator is vital. As I mourn the recent deaths and inexcusable events that continue to transpire against Black people, I must channel my anger, frustration, and fear into positive energy and purpose. For more than 400 years, Black people have been oppressed and undervalued in America. As a Black leader, I seek to break the chains of systemic racism and injustice to dictate change. In order for us to overcome this harsh reality, we must work together and fight the good fight. Regardless of the color of your skin, your stance is critical, as one race alone cannot overcome the ills of ignorance and hatred in America.
Dr. Martin Luther King stated, “Human progress is neither automatic nor inevitable… Every step toward the goal of justice requires sacrifice, suffering, and struggle; the tireless exertions and passionate concern of dedicated individuals.”
To our Students
You are beautiful, you are smart, you are resilient. You are the beholders of your future, and most importantly change. If you want to protest, I support you. If you are angry, I understand. If you need a shoulder to cry on, I am here for you because I stand with you.
To our Parents/Guardians
Continue to educate, reinforce, and instill values into your beautiful babies that will prepare them for the real world. Remind them that they are kings and queens, and they matter. Hate is not ok, injustice is not ok, inequality is not ok. Children are a product of their environments and we will continue to work together in developing your child into a thought leader and change agent. It takes a village to raise a child.
To our Staff
Continue to be brave. Do not be afraid to open up and build relationships with your colleagues and students. Foster the natural abilities and curiosity of our students. Your impact on students will last a lifetime. I know the recent and seemingly ongoing attacks on Black people pains you just as much as me, but we have the amazing opportunity to change the future, one child at a time.
Penn Hills Charter School of Entrepreneurship will always be a place where all people are valued, appreciated, and respected. Although some cannot fathom and authentically understand the realities of people who do not look like them, I am confident they will learn, and value being amongst a diverse community of caring individuals.
I trust that you will stand with me for equal rights and justice. The plight suffered by the Black community must end. We will stand together against hatred and ignorance. We will be the change!
With love,
Dr. Wayne Jones
Chief Executive Officer
wayne.jones@phcharter.org