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0 of 3 Premium Clicks used this month SUBSCRIBE Print + Online Subscriber Activation | Register x Forgot Password | Need an Account? e-edition | subscribe | newsletter | deals Classifieds Jobs Autos Real Estate FEATURED » NEWS NOW Shooting for improvement ... Arson suspect may not understand plea deal ... Memorial services set for Sen. Bates ... Shooting for improvement ... Arson suspect may not understand plea deal ... Memorial services set for Sen. Bates ... GUEST OPINION Guest Opinion: Before the movement had a name Comment By Pamela Erwin MailTribune.com By Pamela Erwin Posted Aug. 12, 2016 at 12:46 PM By Pamela Erwin Posted Aug. 12, 2016 at 12:46 PM » Social News Long before I had ever heard of Black Lives Matter, viewed their website, and worn the T-shirt, I experienced why it matters: In 1968 in Texas, as a brand new teacher, I stepped into my first classroom of 34 students, the majority of whom were black. My first issue was not that I was their white teacher but that I had only five history textbooks for my entire class. When I went to see my principal to request additional textbooks, he said to me, “Darlin’, you don't need more books — those children aren't going to learn anyway.” I was shocked. And over the course of the next few months, I begged, borrowed and even “stole” more books (a friend taught at a predominantly white high school and she had more books than students, so several of her books made their way to my classroom). My students and I had a rich year of learning together. They experienced how exciting history can be. I learned that it is not ethically or morally right to dismiss a generation of young minds because of their skin color. We made an important difference to each other. Many decades and a world apart, now as an Ashland resident, I’m dismayed to read and hear about discrimination happening here. I think the time is now for me and hopefully many of my fellow Ashland residents to stand together, regardless of color. Here are some basic steps we can take: 1. Speak up when you see biased behavior or hear a racial remark. 2. Talk with your friends about ways we can support a diverse community and make it safe and welcoming for all. 3. Consider making your support of Black Lives Matter visible — with a button, T-shirt, yard sign, etc. 4. Check out the Southern Poverty Law Center website at www.splcenter.org . There you’ll find a wealth of information on social justice initiatives, learn what racial injustice looks like and more. We clearly have the opportunity to become a stronger community. Pamela Erwin lives in Ashland. By Pamela Erwin MailTribune.com By Pamela Erwin Posted Aug. 12, 2016 at 12:46 PM » Comment or view comments Reader Reaction » STAY INFORMED Email NewsLetter Sign Up Today Sign up for our newsletter and have the top headlines from your community delivered right to your inbox. Southern Oregon Directory Featured Businesses Loading... Business Name address Location, ST | website.com Find Southern Oregon Attractions Bars Restaurants Beauty Salons Entertainment Doctors Medical Specialists Contractors Education Lawn Services Lawyers Shopping Travel Tanning Used Cars Wedding Services ▼ Add your business here + Events Calendar Connect with MailTribune.com Facebook Twitter RSS Back to top Reader Services Reader Services Home Subscriptions Subscriber controls Contact us Submissions Photos Events Letters to the editor Corrections Announcements Obituaries Story ideas Since you asked Alerts Email Alerts RSS Feeds Text Alerts Advertise Media Kit Home Products and services Ad rates Advertising contacts Propel Marketing Mail Tribune Daily Tidings The Nickel Shop Our Valley Blogs Mobile Site Stay Informed Email newsletter Sign Up Today Sign up for our newsletter and have the top headlines from your community delivered right to your inbox. Your privacy is important, read our privacy policy. © Copyright 2016 Local Media Group, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Privacy Policy | Terms of Service | Local Media Group Publications Original content available for non-commercial use under a Creative Commons license, except where noted. MailTribune.com | P.O. Box 1108, Medford, OR 97501