By Jim Rabb
Are the actions of some of our community leaders scandalous?
As Aurora and other cities struggle to get a grip on what is taking place, with the protests, riots, looting, burning of buildings, the bullying, gangs, violence, drugs, and kids dropping out of schools, many ask why?
We need to bring some of these injustices to an end. We must look at the root causes of these frustrations. When people, whether black, brown, white, or other colors grow up without hope, seeds of dissension and desperation are germinated.
We have in Aurora, individuals who are in positions of leadership yet, as leaders they have their private meetings and their actions are horrific and truly scandalous. School board members deprive a child from reading a book that literally could change their lives in real time.
When encouraged to implement the books “From the Barrio to the Board Room, Mi Barrio & Little Barrio” as a tools to educate and enlighten the young people of our communities, some of the responses have been, “This will never happen in my school district.” I am shocked. That is similar being on the side of the road with a flat tire when someone stops to assist and says, “I have a tire that will fit your car” and the person with the flat replies, “well I don’t use x-y-z brand tires.”
Is insanity the excuse for such shameless behavior from some folks in a city that we call, “Aurora Strong”?
The Barrio books and curricula are culturally-relevant teaching tools that have a social impact that is changing the lives of kids across America and around the world.
Dr. Robert Renteria has just been awarded the “Hero for Humanity” by the WBC (World Boxing Council).
It is one of several awards for his work as a humanitarian, a civil rights leader, and a Latino voice in educational reform.
His books have made a huge impact on the lives of an endless number of young people in Aurora and around the world. It is not about selling books. It is about saving lives and leaving the world better than the way you found it!
I would implore the leaders and the community members of our city to step up and make “Aurora Strong”.