The Anniversary of May 14th: Remembrance & Unifying Efforts 2023
Contributed by: The I.D.E.A Committee
The Anniversary of May 14th: Remembrance & Unifying Efforts 2023
*Scroll to the bottom for resources to help facilitate discussion about racism, the impact of systematic racism, and the importance of inclusivity & diversity.
On May 14, 2022 a racially motivated mass shooting occurred in our Buffalo community, at a Tops Friendly Markets supermarket in the East Side neighborhood. As the western New York community remembers the ten lives lost and the numerous lives impacted, students and staff at Erie 1 BOCES came together for a Day of Unity on its campuses; to elevate and celebrate diversity, equity, and inclusion. We thank you for your ongoing dedication and commitment in supporting and promoting diversity, equity and inclusion throughout our organization; and within our community. Below are various activities to help facilitate meaningful dialogue and learning opportunities for students. Please continue to access and use these resources to continue ongoing critical dialogue and teaching that supports diversity, equity, and inclusion.
- Day of Healing and Restoration Streamed live on May 12, 2023. Buffalo Public Schools, ERIE 1 BOCES and other regional schools for performances, activities, and messages of healing and hope. Programming will be geared toward K-4 students, teachers, and their families.
- Unifying Act Educators are encouraged to facilitate a unifying activity in their building, which can extend beyond the May 12th Unity Day. Unity Art Messages is an idea that surfaced, where the building can arrange or provide a dedicated space for students/staff to write/draw (ex: chalk, paper or index cards) and hang up their Unity messages.
- Creating Teaching/Learning Opportunities
Below are resources to help facilitate discussion about racism, the impact of systematic racism, and the importance of inclusivity & diversity.
Books
Preschool Books: Books that promote Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion
Books promoting Unity: Elementary
5 Picture Books that Celebrate Unity
Diversity Equity and Inclusion Book List
Book lists on Diversity & Unity
Joy Sun Bear's friend Lily shares the idea of unity in an illustrated, fun and kid-friendly short video.
SWING | Kids Book Read Aloud about Sharing and Unity
a book about sharing and unity. When is an Alphabet book about MORE than the ABCs? In this brilliant story from the author of RED: A Crayon's Story, four letter’s keep trying to prove they're better and different from one another.
Diversity Equity and Inclusion Book List
Books for All Grades
Books that promote Diversity, Equity & Inclusion: ages 5-7 yrs
Books that promote Diversity, Equity & Inclusion: ages: 8-9yrs
Books that promote Diversity, Equity & Inclusion: ages 9-10yrs
Books that promote Diversity, Equity & Inclusion: ages 13-18 yrs
Activities and Lessons for all grades
Resources to elevate DEI learning in schools
Includes various lessons/activities, targeting K-12
Resources-for-creating-a-school-culture-of-empathy-inclusion-and-kindness
Embracing Diversity Activities/Lessons
10 Inclusion Based Activities for Students (K-8)
Diversity Lessons for Students ( Including a VIDEO that explains what diversity is)
Racism Lesson for Kids (including a video)
Culture Lesson for kids (Including a video)
Langston Hughes: Poem lessons for kids (including video)
The Harlem Renaissance: Music and Literature From the Jazz Age: Jim Crow &
The Migration North (Including video)
W.E.B. Du Bois: Theories, Accomplishments & Double Consciousness: The Beginning of the fight for Equality (Including video)
History and Examples of Racism (Lessons for kids)
Poems
I am Diversity Poems:
I am Diversity Poem (HS)
I am diversity: by Simma Lieberman
Movies
Diversity Quotes
Quotes about diversity and celebration
10 Inclusion Quotes and Inclusion Sayings
10 Quotes about Diversity in the Classroom
A Diverse Mix of 20 Powerful Diversity and Inclusion Quotes for Kids
Website
Their mission is to inspire and connect humanity through music because it breaks down barriers. There are downloads and videos of musicians singing a song together, some in their native language.
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