The following message was sent to current families and faculty on May 29, 2020.
Dear Parents,
The recent murders of Ahmaud Arbery, Breonna Taylor, and George Floyd, and the racism endured by Christian Cooper in our very own Central Park, are weighing on my heart. These are only the most recent crimes and injustices committed against Black people in America. While some of us can only imagine the trauma and pain caused by these ongoing injustices, others are directly impacted by them.
As you know, St. Hilda’s & St. Hugh’s was founded 70 years ago by a biracial woman to bring together students and families from all backgrounds. Our mission as a community is to come together in support of one another. I am immensely proud of our historical legacy related to equity and social justice. With each of you, I am determined to continue our work to educate children who will one day, as Mother Ruth said years ago, “tear down the walls and divisions that separate people of different cultures, creeds, and classes.” I believe in the healing power of prayer, community, education, and activism. I am here for any of you who would like to speak, in support and in solidarity.
As these last several months have reinforced, gathering with one another—even virtually—engenders the strength that we need to battle adversity. With this in mind, members of our DEIL Team will offer Google Meet spaces for any individuals in our school family who wish to share feelings, listen, and support one another.
We will have three Google Meet offerings: one for the entire parent community; one for parents who identify as People of Color; and one for parents who are Allies. [Links have been sent directly via email.] Please do not hesitate to reach out to the DEIL team at deil@sthildas.org.
For now, I invite you to pray with me, from the Book of Common Prayer.
For Social Justice
Almighty God, who created us in your image: Grant us grace fearlessly to contend against evil and to make no peace with oppression; and, that we may reverently use our freedom, help us to employ it in the maintenance of justice in our communities and among the nations, to the glory of your holy Name, now and forever. Amen.
With love,
