“A Voice Within the Community”
The GRBDIA is bringing a much needed wave of change to our town. The Black Diversity and Inclusion Association targets the Board of Education, seeking changes within the curriculum focusing on inclusion of Black and POC communities.
The organization was founded by several black mothers in the town who noticed the obvious racial disparity, and took initiative to change. Realizing that change comes from education, they targeted the Board of Education to help the organization to reach their goals the quickest way. They aim to “grow within the board of education and within the schools to bring improved curriculum and opportunities” for the town and BIPOC. As the town is growing, the amount of BIPOC has increased as well - from 10.5% in 2013, to nearly 18% in 2018. As if that weren’t enough, several students have noticed that the curriculum needs change as well. One student states, “many of the books we read, and media we see is centered around white people, and it’s hard to see yourself represented” but the GRBDIA aims to change this exact thing.
I spoke to Nicole Quallis, chair of the Fundraising Committee of the GRBDIA about their goals and initiatives. Quallis mentions that the organization aims to act as, “a voice within the community who focuses on black families within the town and open it up” to become more welcoming towards BIPOC communities. Focusing on that goal, in just one year, the GRBDIA has managed to make great strides. The have sponsored a reading of Ms. Bridges at the younger schools, and this year they focus on partnerships with the school board, working to expand staff diversity at Glen Ridge Public Schools, and grow their partnerships in the town to further expand the conversation on racial disparity and the inclusion of BIPOC in Glen Ridge (and beyond).
The biggest path to change is education. Quallis mentions that there are several instances where our friends, family, and closest confidants make errors, resulting in deep scars and built up resentment. Micro-aggressions are something that many people in the town have taken notice of, and are guilty of - once again, there lies the change. Sensitivity and action through education are two of the key things Quallis mentioned in altering this behavior to create a more sustainable and educational environment for the citizens of Glen Ridge.
Glen Ridge is a town capable of great things, so take this opportunity to educate yourself on one of the town’s most progressive initiatives. Learn more at https://www.grbdia.org/.
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