Equity and Anti-Racism Task Force

Greetings from the Equity and Anti-Racism Task Force. Please join the Equity and Anti-Racism conversation at Hyde-Addison by emailing hyde.addison@k12.dc.gov and requesting to be added to the Task Force email list maintained by the school, joining us on Konstella, utilizing the resources here, and/or participating in the monthly Task Force virtual meeting at 4pm on the last Friday of every month. As parents, teachers and staff, we are interested in doing our part to promote equity and end racism in constructive, supportive ways.

Winter break is around the corner as a festive atmosphere reigns over our school and the city. Many in our Hyde-Addison community are preparing to mark various traditions and holidays. On December 21, some in the Northern Hemisphere will ring in the Winter Solstice, our shortest day of the year. Fun fact, if you stand outside at noon on that day and look at your shadow it will be the longest shadow you cast for the entire year. If you take a picture, make sure to send it our way!

In the coming weeks others will celebrate Christmas on December 25th, while many African-Americans enjoy the festivities of Kwanzaa from December 26 through January 1st. For our Jewish families, the eight days of Hanukkah will begin on December 25 and last until sundown on January 2nd. Check out National Geographic Kids where you can learn more about winter celebrations and play some fun games.

While this is a joyous time, we do need to be mindful that there are those who will not be marking any traditions during this season. The Hyde-Addison community prides itself on inclusivity and mutual respect, so this is a good time to remind ourselves, our families and each other that it’s more than OK to be different.

Every year on the third Monday in January, the U.S. celebrates the life of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. King led the American civil rights movement in the 1950s and 60s which fought for equality and human rights for African-Americans. Regarded as one of the most prominent advocates of nonviolent resistance, King was the driving force behind a peaceful protest campaign that ushered in historic legislation like the Civil Rights Act and the Voting Rights Act.

We can’t forget that while Dr. King is lauded and seen as a hero today, during his lifetime he was vilified by many. A 1966 Gallup poll showed that 63% of Americans had a negative opinion of King. We mention this because it is incumbent on us to remember that often the fight for civil and human rights becomes popular retrospectively, with many groups unfairly assailed in the moment.

While we continue to work to fulfill Dr. King’s dream of racial equality, Hyde-Addison families can celebrate him by joining the annual MLK Peace Walk and Parade on Saturday, January 18th. You can also head to the DC Public Library to check out various books for kids about Dr. King’s life.

Many have asked about my recent service trip to the Solomon Islands, so I wanted to share a bit about my transformative experience. As part of a team selected to support the continued growth and development of a remote school in Honiara, Solomon Islands, we were fortunate to also engage with two additional schools and several community organizations. The trip was a profound blend of learning, cultural connection, and personal reflection.

From the moment we arrived on the other side of the world, after 30 hours of travel, I was struck by the natural beauty of the Solomon Islands: lush green landscapes, vibrant turquoise waters, and breathtaking sunrises that greeted us each morning. Amid the beauty, however, we encountered the challenges of rural life, where minimal accommodations were the norm. Limited water pressure, unconventional boarding, and long walks to our destinations offered moments of challenge, but they were humbling. Those realities deepened my appreciation for the resilience of the people we met and reminded me of the greater purpose behind our journey.

One of the most inspiring parts of the trip was our time with the head of the academy we served. Her passion for her students, her family, and her community was palpable. Every conversation with her revealed the dedication required to lead in such challenging circumstances. Hearing about the school’s needs and struggles was sobering, yet her gratitude for even small contributions was heartwarming. It reminded me of the power of shared effort and how seemingly small actions can create significant change.

The students were the heart of our experience. Their radiant smiles, joyous performances, and heartfelt farewells left a mark on our team. Whether we were distributing school supplies , sharing words of encouragement, or supporting with manual labor, their expressions of gratitude and their perseverance in the face of adversity inspired us all. They demonstrated generosity, love, and a tangible joy for learning that transcended their limited resources.

The community gatherings, both the opening convening and farewell celebration, were deeply moving. Those moments of connection offered a glimpse into the vibrant culture of the Solomon Islands, where music, tradition, and their faith play central roles in everyday life. From the gatherings to simple daily interactions, we were reminded of the importance of family and community, where kinship ties were strong, and elders were revered for their wisdom and leadership.

Of course, the trip was not without its challenges. Long travel days, logistical hiccups, and confronting the realities of poverty and substance abuse in the community weighed heavily at times. Yet, the resilience of the communities we encountered gave us hope. Education, in particular, stood out as a beacon of progress and opportunity. Many children traveled hours on foot each day, crossing rivers and rugged terrain, to attend school. Some paddled canoes across waterways to reach their classrooms, which were often simple structures with limited resources. Despite those obstacles, families prioritized education, viewing it as a path to a brighter future.

Teachers in the Solomon Islands are true pillars of their communities. They lead with ingenuity and dedication, often teaching multi-grade classrooms with little more than chalk and boards. Their commitment is met with deep respect and gratitude, reflecting a cultural reverence for educators as the bearers of opportunity and change.

Throughout the trip, we were mindful of showing respect to elders and traditional leaders, ensuring that our interactions reflected the cultural values of the Solomon Islands. By honoring the traditions, seeking guidance, and involving the community in every step, we were able to build genuine relationships rooted in mutual understanding.

The Solomon Islands are a place of striking contrasts: breathtaking natural beauty alongside visible challenges, but also unwavering hope and community spirit. This trip reminded me of the profound impact of shared human connection and the resilience of those striving for progress against great odds. I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to have served, learned, and grown alongside the remarkable people of the Solomon Islands. Their warmth, strength, and generosity will remain with me always.

Celebrate diversity by cooking with your family and exploring global cuisines together! This month, we’re spotlighting Yabluchnyk, a traditional Ukrainian apple cake. While the recipe features apples, feel free to experiment with other fruits like pitted cherries, plums, or sliced peaches for a unique twist.

Yield: 12 people

Total Time: 40 minutes

Ingredients

Cake:

• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour

• ¼ cup white sugar

• 2 teaspoons baking powder

• ¼ teaspoon salt

• ½ cup unsalted butter, cut into pieces

• ⅓ cup cream

• 1 large egg, beaten

• 4 large apples - peeled, cored, and thinly sliced

Streusel Topping:

• ½ cup brown sugar

• 2 tablespoons flour

• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon

• 2 tablespoons cold unsalted butter, cut into pieces

Directions

1. Preheat & Prep

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly butter an 8-inch square baking dish.

2. Make the Cake

In a mixing bowl, sift together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Cut in butter with two knives or a pastry blender until the mixture is crumbly. In a separate small bowl, whisk together cream and egg. Add the wet ingredients to the flour mixture, gently mixing until a soft dough forms. Press the dough evenly into the prepared dish. Arrange apple slices on top in neat, slightly overlapping rows.

3. Prepare the Streusel Topping

In a small bowl, whisk together brown sugar, flour, and cinnamon. Cut in butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Sprinkle evenly over the apples.

4. Bake

Bake in the preheated oven for about 25 minutes, or until the apples are tender and the streusel topping is golden brown.

5. Serve & Enjoy

Let the cake cool slightly before serving. It’s perfect on its own or with a dollop of whipped cream or vanilla ice cream.

If your family tries this recipe, we’d love to see your pictures! Feel free to email them to hyde.addison.k12.dc.gov.

The winter season is a great opportunity for families to explore the diversity of holidays and cultural traditions that are celebrated in our community and in our world. This booklist by Hyde-Addison teachers includes beautiful stories about many different traditions and celebrations for all children to enjoy and learn from.

Did your student celebrate any holidays or traditions related to their culture, race, or ethnicity this month? Please share any photos or videos related to your celebrations via email: hyde.addison@k12.dc.gov.