STM Writer Simone Jackson
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Like most parents, I have worked hard to set an example for my kids. I want them to grow into successful, respectful, and responsible adults. I thought that I could provide a better opportunity for them if I moved to a neighborhood that offers an excellent school system, a safe environment and sense of community. I made sure that I was in constant contact with the parents, teachers, coaches and administrators who would play an integral part in my children’s lives. Most importantly I wanted to instill in them a strong sense of self and pride in who they are. The irony is this, never did I think that I would have to defend my children against blatant racism in the school system, yet that is what I and many other African American parents are up against in the town of Collingswood, New Jersey.
Coach Joe McLaughlin successfully coached the Collingswood Basketball team since 1999. He was named the “The Most Winningest Coach” in Collingswood history. Not only was he an admirable coach, he was an estimable teacher and community leader. And he led by example. I have heard many stories of Coach McLaughlin’s leadership; he once left his family during the night to sit with a student who just lost his mother, He arranged a “team hospital visit” to see the water boy who just had surgery. The stories are heartwarming and endless. Yet earlier this year, it was voted unanimously by the school board to fire him. The school superintendent stated that he wanted the basketball team to go in a different direction. The superintendent gave little insight into which direction he wanted the basketball team to go, leaving us baffled. The confusion was replaced by anger when many of the parents heard taped conversations between administrators and other school employees speaking negatively about and making decisions based on the African American students heritage, all while coach McLaughlin fought to show that each student deserved the same respect and educational opportunities as their white counterpart. My emotions ran the gamut between sadness, fear, embarrassment, and hatred. I questioned my parenting skills and continuously asked myself, was this place the best place to raise my children? How can I expect them to have self-respect when the people I entrusted them to learn from were the very same people that could help to damage their self-worth? Many of my Caucasian friends did not understand my visceral rage, and I was told that if my children were not directly hurt by the derogatory statements made toward other black students then I should stay away from the fight. At that moment, I realized that this is a teachable moment for my kids. Racism exists, and sadly this will not be their only encounter with it. I now know that I must continue to instill in them that same sense of pride and self-respect that I always have. In this way they will grow to be leaders who are unafraid of adversity, and they will look on with pity at those who still display the small minded racist behavior and attitudes that will always hold them back.
L SIMONE JACKSON
Collingswood history. Not only was he an admirable coach, he was an estimable teacher and community leader. And he led by example. I have heard many stories of Coach McLaughlin’s leadership; he once left his family during the night to sit with a student who just lost his mother, He arranged a “team hospital visit” to see the water boy who just had surgery.
The stories are heartwarming and endless. Yet earlier this year, it was voted unanimously by the school board to fire him. The school superintendent stated that he wanted the basketball team to go in a different direction. The superintendent gave little insight into which direction he wanted the basketball team to go, leaving us baffled.
The confusion was replaced by anger when many of the parents heard taped conversations between administrators and other school employees speaking negatively about and making decisions based on the African American students heritage, all while coach McLaughlin fought to show that each student deserved the same respect and educational opportunities as their white counterpart. My emotions ran the gamut between sadness, fear, embarrassment, and hatred.
I questioned my parenting skills and continuously asked myself, was this place the best place to raise my children?
Photo by Zephyrance Lou
Like Most Parents
By. STM writer Simone Jackson