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.

Nikkie Whaley

ASBA Board Support & Training Specialist

“Oh, but not you Nikkie.” Throughout my life, this statement has been uttered to me in haste after a disparaging comment or hurtful generalization about others that look like me. Peers, teachers, superiors said these words as if they were what I wanted to hear. It was as if their ability to separate me from others in my culture, to accept me as different, is an accomplishment I should be proud of and not an affront to my full identity or worth. These are the everyday acts of injustice that sit with me – that make me feel as if I will never truly be accepted.