Modest, gentle, unassuming, unpretentious, unobtrusive, docile, decorous, meek, suave; meekness, modesty (Pukui-Elbert)
Aka, with, care, and hai, to speak. To be tender of heart; meek (Andrews)
Imagine facing great adversity such as being the subject of hate, discrimination and oppression, yet continuing to show compassion. Imagine showing such great compassion that through your gentle kindness, the interactions you have with others leaves them better for it. Aunty Pilahi Paki and Uncle Pono Shim said that this is how to be AKAHAI.
In 1954, the US Supreme Court unanimously declared separating students by race was unconstitutional. Despite this ruling, many southern states resisted the order to desegregate schools, barring black students from enrolling in all white schools. In 1960, through court order, New Orleans enrolled it’s first black students which included a first grader named Ruby Bridges.
Ruby attended an all-white elementary school a few blocks from their home. Leading up to her first day, white parents withdrew their students from the school and many teachers refused to teach a black child. On her first day and throughout the rest of the school year, many lined up the front of the school, angrily protesting and threatening young Ruby and her mother. Federal marshals escorted Ruby and her mother to keep them safe from harm. Despite this animosity, Ruby remained brave and even prayed to God that the protestors be forgiven. In the end, Ruby’s resilience and AKAHAI won out. The protests thinned and Ruby was able to complete not just the first grade but graduate from a desegregated high school. Her courage and compassion became examples for other children wanting to join in the desegregation of schools and accelerate efforts for equality. And ultimately, Ruby Bridgesʻ actions left us all better as a result – truly an example of what it means to be AKAHAI
To be Akahai, remember that
- Everyone experiences the world differently;
- Even when we exist in the same context, everyone has their own interpretations; and
- Still everyone deserves to be loved and treated kindly.
5 PURSUITS of AKAHAI:
Inspired by Gholdy Muhammad
Please watch this: I Am Enough read by the author Grace Byers, illustrated by Keturah A. Bobo. Then with you child, answer the following:
IDENTITY: What is something you love to do?
SKILLS: The author uses similes to describe the main character’s different qualities. Try using a simile to describe one of your qualities. Like the ___________ I am ___________
INTELLECT: Like you, the author mentioned growing up on an island. Compare and contrast growing up on an island versus growing up on the continent.
CRITICALITY: The author reminds that reader that you can always rise above things that seem hard, difficult and unfair. What is something that you found unfair and how did/can you overcome it?
JOY:The author asked, “Can you think of something that you like about someone who is different than you?” Your challenge for this week is the share that “something” with that person by saying, “I celebrate you because…”
UPCOMING EVENTS
| Thur, Feb 16 | STEM Parent/Child Activity Night 6 PM |
| Fri, Feb 17 | Teachers Institute Day, no students |
| Thur, Feb 23 | Kindergarten Preview Night for Incoming/Prospective Kindergartners in SY 2023-24 |
| Wed, Mar 1 | Initial deadline to submit Kindergarten GEs |
| Fri, Mar 10 | Color Run! |
| Fri, Mar 10 | School Quality Survey deadline |