West Side parents continue resistance to closings... Delano, Emmett and other closings denounced at May 24 press conference
Anyone who believed that the struggle against the racist attacks on Chicago's public schools by the administration of Mayor Rahm Emanuel was concluded by the now notorious vote of the six members of the Chicago Board of Education on May 22, 2013, would have been put on notice by May 24 when West Side parents and community leaders held an early morning press conference to denounce the vote and announce their next moves.
The following press release:
Westsiders Against School Closings Coalition... Media Alert: For Immediate Release: May 23, 2013 Contact: Dwayne Truss, (773) 879-5216 (cell)... austin_youth@sbcglobal.net
West Side Parents And Leaders To Respond To Mayor Rahm Emanuel's Attack On Poor Children
Who: The Westsiders Against School Closings Coalition is comprised of local neighborhood organizations, schools, parents, students and engaged individuals who are interested in staving off Chicago Public Schools' efforts to destroy public education as we know it. Members include local school council (LSC) members, educators, No Child Left Behind (NLCB) parents, ministers, and community stakeholders. Organizational members include Chicago-Westside Branch NAACP, Blocks Together, the Lawndale Alliance, PACE, South Austin Community Coalition Council (SACCC), and Raise Your Hand for Illinois Education.
What: The coalition will be holding a press conference Friday, May 24, at 7:15 a.m.. The press conference will provide an opportunity for a number of parents and community stakeholders from the Austin, East and West Garfield Park, Humboldt Park and North Lawndale communities to respond to Mayor Emanuel's handpicked corporate Board of Education vote to close schools, and to let Mayor Emanuel know that the struggle is not over.
When: Friday, May 24, 2013. Press Conference-7:15 a.m.
Where: Edward C. Delano Elementary School, 3937 W. Wilcox, Chicago Illinois
Why: CPS is embarking on the most aggressive effort in the country to dismantle public education in one fell swoop. Member of the Board of Education (BOE) voted to close 49 neighborhood schools and leave those buildings empty. 87% of the students at the impacted schools are African-American. The West Side was hit hard. Massive closure of public schools combined with the rapid expansion of charter schools has been detrimental for all stakeholders involved. Mayor Emanuel's handpicked board ignored parents, community stakeholders, and our children. Communities will lose valuable anchors and safe havens. School violence, student mobility and dropout rates have increased as a result of past school actions. The de-stabilizing effects could last for years to come.
"This is about the displacement of a group of black people and economic development for other people. I urge all parents and community stakeholders to have a long memory when the next election cycle comes up" said DeAndre Allen, a parent and a member of Delano LSC.
