WASHINGTON — Dr. Calvin Moore, Jr., the CEO of the Council for Professional Recognition and author of “Givers and Takers: Understanding Complex Relationship Dynamics,” joins Americans in the shared grief about the events of recent days.
“The Council’s mission is to help educators reach a better understanding of the children entrusted with their care, yet, of course, all adults are still struggling to understand each other. This reality about our divisions is starkly before us right now. The senseless killing of George Floyd while in police custody has left us upset and bewildered.
Early childhood educators who go through our process know that their goal is to help children learn tolerance and acceptance of people of different races, cultures and ethnicities. We try to ensure that the learning environment shows evidence of diversity with which young children can easily associate. These are lessons Americans of every background must immediately embrace in every facet of their lives and, most importantly, in their hearts.
We recognize that protest is a strong part of our country’s tradition, yet we should do so within the law and with respect for others and their rights. As a child of Alabama, I grew up not far from where Dr. King marched and the tragic bombing that led to the loss of four young girls at the 16th Street Baptist Church. Let us follow the peaceful example of Dr. King and reject the path of violence.
Most of all, I know our early childhood education community is praying for better tomorrows.”