We’re Open

Even though we can pick each other out at the baggage claim and in the lobby of the hotel, assembling together for Opening Ceremonies harnesses all of our collective energy in a single venue.  I’ve always enjoyed sitting in the audience before the lights dim, watching folks greet those they have not seen since the last POCC, or introduce themselves to each other, going through the familiar patterns and questions – what school are you from?  where is it?  what do you teach?  are you here with students? - questions that may seem routine at times, but are important, foundational, and immediately connective.

As the lights go down, the energy in the crowd turns to the stage, and we quiet.  We are focused and at the ready.  There is the sense that we’ve looked forward to this, and it is time.

Cleo Parker Robinson Dance

Up On Our Feet

Cleo Parker Robinson Dance

Our Denver POCC Co-Chairs

Our SDLC Co-Chairs

Pat Bassett, NAIS Pres.

50 ft. tall Liz and Rodney

Gene Batiste, NAIS VP for Leadership Ed and Diversity

John Quiñones

Our Opening Keynote speaker John Quiñones, journalist and co-anchor for Primetime spoke of his childhood, of being poor, of growing up in San Antonio, of opportunities, both attained and denied. He spoke of journalism as “shining the light on the darkest corners of the world”, just as we, as advocates in our schools, strive to do for our students and for each other.

We were treated to a performance by Cleo Parker Robinson Dance, a Denver-based dance group and arts institution rooted in African American traditions.  The dancers were openly joyous, liberated, unafraid and unashamed.  Sitting in the audience, I wonder what it would take for every student of color in an independent school to feel the same.

But at this moment, watching the speakers and performers stride across the stage, all of us collected in that single space, things actually do seem possible, and the hope that I must always carry with me leans over and whispers, aren’t you glad you came?

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