The theme, RECLAIM THE PROMISE, was evident in all the presentations throughout the week. The introductory song, “WE SHALL, WE SHALL, WE SHALL NOT BE MOVED. WE FIGHT FOR EDUCATION, WE SHALL NOT BE MOVED”, summed up our beliefs. The fiery speech of The Rev. Dr. William Barber, president of the North Carolina NAACP, and the State of the Union speech of Randi Weingarten echoed this sentiment.
Asean Johnson was the youngest speaker at the 50th Anniversary of the March on Washington, on August 28,2013, and as well as the AFT Convention. He is a_10 or 11 year-old elementary student from Chicago. He is poised, articulate and confident. With a small voice, he started, “Education is a right! That is why we fight! ” Soon, it turned into a continuous chant from all the educators in the hall that was exhilarating and held hope for our future.
I must share with you the passionate voices and hours spent on the convention floor debating, clarifying and voting on the many resolutions. One that I feel worth mentioning was a five-page resolution entitled, “The Role of Standards in Public Education.” Both pro’s & con’s were discussed for almost an hour. Comments filled with passion and a genuine love and concern for children and teaching rang out clearly with every speaker. The resolution passed. AFT believes in the promise and potential of Common Core
The 2nd exciting item on the floor, which passed with flying colors, was a special order of business entitled “Our Commitment to Fighting Back and Fighting Forward”. A delegate from San Francisco proposed an amendment to this resolution asking Secretary of Education Arnie Duncan to fix the mess in education that the current administration created, and if not, RESIGN.
You can go to www.youtube.com and type in 2014 AFT Convention to view these and many other speakers. I promise they will move you, as we were moved. As you focus on the live action on your screen, you, too, will feel the commitment and need for action.
In closing, I am proud to be a member of AFT. I am proud that membership and leadership together can help shape the youth of this country. Thank you for allowing me to be your 2014 American Federation of Teachers delegate.