I visited a girls school today where a delegation from the Second Grade had met with the Head of School several times to discuss the unfair treatment of the Lenape people. They asked if they could create a petition that everyone would sign to make sure that the Lenape people were given the same notoriety and respect as Henry Hudson. There was a group of us Early Childhood people visiting the school and we all signed the petition.The girls goal is 1000 signatures. Well, they now have 15 signatures! These girls are learning in Second Grade to use their voices to make a difference. And most importantly, their school head is supporting their actions! Bravo, as one of their classmates said when we were in the room.
Here is a snap shot of who the Lenape People are:
The first residents of Lower Manhattan were the Lenape People, and they called the island Manahatta, meaning hilly island. Their land, called Lenapehoking, included all of what is now New Jersey, eastern Pennsylvania, southeastern New York State, northern Delaware and a small section of southeastern Connecticut. Today, Lenape communities live all across North America.
“Even after all that has happened to us — there were thousands [of Lenapes] when the ships [migrating from Europe] first came — we are still here.”
— Linda Poolaw (Delaware/Kiowa)
How empowering is this that the Head of School heard the girls, supported the girls and helped the girls do something powerful!
Give your girls their voices, show them how to use them and find the right school that supports women in a socially equitable, safe environment.
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