8th Grade Social Studies
Vikings,
We know that there is A LOT happening right now. We were already in a state of crisis with the COVID-19 pandemic. Now our country is mourning the murders of more black lives because our criminal justice system. Our hearts are heavy and we're finding it hard to not be with you in these moments.
Earlier this year we learned a lot in Homeroom about the Black Lives Matter Movement (which began in response to the death of Mike Brown). As we can clearly see, it is a movement that is still necessary and the sense of urgency for things to change is at an all time high.
We do not know for sure what the future holds for this country, or for all of the beautiful black lives in it. But what we do know, is that we, your teachers, have work to do, and it starts now. There are injustices against black students and families within the education system, too, and we are committed to being part of solutions and progress moving forward. For you. Because YOU MATTER. Your lives matter. Your voices matter. Your families matter. Everything about you matters. Point blank. Period. And we have to do better starting right now.
We love you all and this week we would like to make space for you to share, grieve, cry, sing, whatever you need to do to feel affirmed in your feelings and your humanity, and to process through what's happening right now.
Join us this Wednesday, June 10th at 8:30am for an opportunity to come together around the recent events. Due to the extremely sensitive nature of the discussion, you will need to enter your first and last name in order to be approved to enter the Zoom call. More details including the link will come from your Social Studies teacher.
In order to help us better prepare to hold space for you during the call, if you have any thoughts, questions or wonderings you would be willing to share ahead of time, please use this Google Form below:
Also, in case you missed our call last week, here's a copy of the slide show that was presented:
TRIGGER WARNING
What's below is sensitive material. Please be cautious and take care of yourselves as you read on. Pause if you need to, or walk away. If it's too much, you do not need to engage with it and you can steer your focus elsewhere.
Ahmaud Arbery
Breonna Taylor
George Floyd
On February 23, Ahmaud Arbery, a 25-year-old black man, was jogging in his neighborhood outside Brunswick, Georgia when two white men hunted down and murdered him. The two white men - Gregory McMichael (a former police officer) and his son Travis - decided to take justice into their own hands claiming that they thought Ahmaud looked like a person suspected in a series of break-ins in the area. Despite the fact that Ahmaud was a regular runner in the neighborhood, the McMichaels got in their truck, hunted him down with a shotgun and killed him in broad daylight.
George and Travis McMichael were arrested May 7, and are facing state charges of felony murder and aggravated assault. The man who recorded the killing of Ahmaud Arbery has since been arrested on charges including felony murder, and the United States Department of Justice is investigating the shooting death as a hate crime.
On March 13, Breonna Taylor, a 26-year-old black woman was murdered by police officers in her home. Well after midnight, Louisville Metro Police (dressed in plain clothes) forced their way into Breonna's home trying to serve a search warrant in a narcotics investigation. Breonna and her boyfriend Kenneth Walker- who did not hear the police (who say they announced themselves before entering, but there is no body camera footage to back that up) were scared. so Kenneth fired a warning shot because he thought someone was breaking in. The police fired back more than 20 shots and eight of them struck and killed Breonna Taylor.
Breonna's mother has since filed a wrongful death lawsuit and in addition to the Louisville Metro Police investigation into the death of Breonna Taylor, the FBI will also be conducting their own investigation.
On May 25, Minneapolis resident George Floyd was murdered by a police officer. George was pinned face down on the ground, in handcuffs, by a white police officer who pressed his knee against George's neck for more than eight minutes. George, a 46-year-old black man, was suspected of passing a counterfeit $20 bill. George was unresponsive when paramedics arrived, and was pronounced dead later.
Unrest has since erupted in Minneapolis, and in several cities across the country including peaceful gatherings and riots. The police officer was fired and has been charged with third-degree murder.
Current Week
Watch this video to learn how to submit your work for 8th Grade Social Studies using the Digital Turn-In Bin!
AAPI Heritage Month Page
Vikings, this is a message about the yearbook! If you are interested in pre-purchasing a copy for yourself please follow these steps – log in to the district home page for Dimmitt, click on “For Families” then “Payments”, log in and you will find a prompt to purchase your book. Yearbooks will not be distributed until the fall, but no matter what school you are attending we will get your copy to you. Also, Mrs. Tyree would love it if you’d send her some pictures of what you are up to during school closure. Please email pictures to:
Thank you! We miss you and hope you are all well!
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