Voices That Matter

The ASBA “Voices That Matter Campaign” was created to honor voices, emotions and experiences on racial injustice in the United States.
ASBA condemns racism and police brutality against black people. Along with our community, we mourn the lives of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Ahmaud Arbery and the endless list of black lives lost as a direct result of racism, white supremacy, and systemic oppression.
Black, brown and other underrepresented voices in our schools must be amplified. This campaign is one opportunity to do this and help our staff and members express themselves and heal through these difficult times.

Jolene Hale

ASBA Administrative Assistant

Personal experience with my son has stayed with me and sadly shows me racism is still here today. My son, a young Native American boy who enjoys playing basketball and baseball, was bullied, harassed, taunted with racial slurs and attacked physically in a middle school boys’ bathroom due to the color of his skin and race. No parent, grandparent and/or guardian would like to receive a phone call about your child(ren) who was acted out on because of racism. Your heart is hurt, angry, and feels disbelief and fear. You shed tears trying to understand how this could be happening to your child(ren), family and how this occurs to all people of color. All you want is your child(ren) to receive the best education, comprehend and interact with people of all races and ethnicities to survive in today’s world to succeed and become a successful individual. As a family, to have our son feel safe and continue his education, he was withdrawn from this A+rated elementary school and transferred home where he would feel safe and be among his own people, where he is safe, secure and can move forward. Sadly, racism still exists and we have instilled in our two children that we are resilient, to always be happy who you are and where you come from and that you can accomplish anything you set your mind to. Today, my son has earned a bachelor’s of science degree from Arizona State University in the field of criminal justice and criminology and is happy with the young Navajo man he has become.