Bridges are connecting, transitional, or intermediate routes or phases between two adjacent elements, activities, or conditions, according to Dictionary.com. However, beyond its physical meaning, a bridge can be characterized as a link, connection, or relationship. Therefore there are two different types of bridges: physical and invisible. Now, society is no stranger to physical bridges--Golden Gate Bridge--but might need help identifying invisible bridges. Invisible bridges are similar to physical bridges but represent the unseen connection made through people. The first one was the relationship between God and Adam & Eve, which was later broken. Another example is the bridge to peace between the Pilgrims and Wampanoag people or the Treaty of Paris which ended World War 2.
Although, civilization constructs invisible bridges every day they still remain the most challenging pieces of architecture. One invisible bridge that America has yet to complete building is one of racial justice. Though many have devoted their strength and time to this bridge it always seems to crumble under the pressure of mass incarceration, police brutality, and white supremacy. Throughout the years the marginalized have assimilated to these setbacks. However, with change fast-approaching and with new reforms, many believe this does not have to be the case. The help to complete this might be closer than imagined.
I met with Fairfield for Change (FFC) a student-led group, to discuss their plans to change Fairfield City Schools when it pertains to diversity and inclusion. The FFC started as a video for the Fairfield City Schools administration. The video would act as a launching pad for conversations about race in the district. However "as ideas kept rolling, and it got more exciting, [we] decided to incorporate the videos where they acted as promotions for the webinar [on July 25, 2020]", says Anie Udosen, the Chair of FFC. Thus, the group began.
Top to Bottom: Brielle Shorter(Vice-Chair of Technology), Vannessa Ampofo-Mensah(Vice-Chair of Administration), Magdalene Adotey(Vice-Chair of Design), Busayo Olaore(Vice-Chair of Public Relations), Anaïs Fotsing(Design), Anie Udosen(Chair Leader), Kene Uwaezuoke ( Vice-Chair of Programming), Camilla Yankson (Vice-Chair of Programming).
Support
From, the Superintendent (Billy Smith), to the high school principal (William Rice) and other Board members, many were ready and willing to contribute to the success of the group. Brielle Shorter, Vice-Chair of Technology, says the help started with the administration "wanting to do something, but nobody knew where to start." With the administration eager but clueless on how to enact change this group’s formation was timely. Along with the backing from staff members, the group was elated to see support from community members and, especially from their peers. In a world where division wants to overshadow unity, they were surprised at the love they received. Kene Uwaezuoke, Vice-Chair of Programming says, "We started the whole club and people that heard about it, now they want to join. People actually care about what we're doing and that makes us very happy."
A is Not Just for Ally
Accountability is a word everyone is hearing a lot more recently but it is an essential step in limiting the impact of racism. The first people to take accountability are FFC's biggest allies: the administration. The administration says they have 96 different cultures and nationalities, yet they fail to recognize diversity is not inclusion. This issue among others like standing for the national anthem, the wearing of confederate insignias at school, and the use of a Native American as a mascot, is what the administration must take accountability for. For too long, these issues have been swept under the rug and have caused ignorance and microaggressions to spread. The group hopes some of these racist issues will be put to rest through the virtual webinar. "This conference will let the administration know we are watching them. We are here to apply some pressure and make them think about every action they are taking. We can't let them get away with the bare minimum." says, Kene.
As a group of minority students, they know firsthand about racism. All of them have faced microaggressions and racist remarks. They have even been deterred from doing certain things in their school because according to the administration it is not the best idea. However, excuses like the former will be eliminated by the FFC. The group hopes their peers will learn that "the words and jokes that people say do hurt," says Anie. Camilla Yankson, Vice-Chair of Programming, adds, "This [webinar] is going to start a conversation that is very needed in Fairfield and needed in many other schools."
What's Next?
The FFC's purpose is to advocate for diversity and encourage people to become more inclusive while providing more opportunities for marginalized students. Their plans after the webinar include a newsletter updating the community on their projects. Additionally, they plan to have monthly meetings with community members and faculty about ways to promote racial justice. Their help also goes beyond the doors of the high school and extends to the middle and elementary schools. Mentoring with the middle and elementary schools will teach children about equality and help prevent the racial ignorance that follows many children to high school. With, these projects they plan to increase the FFC. Soon, they hope to have a diverse group of people to collaborate with.
A bridge is something the world has taken for granted and as a result, many are crumbling. However, that might not be the case if we let groups like the FFC succeed. This invisible bridge is going to need every tool and worker to be constructed. More importantly, the bridge needs time and compassion to make it everlasting. If the world allows this to happen, the bridge can trump any carnage.
To learn more about the FFC follow on Instagram: @fairfieldforchange
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