Valley NAACP: Teach Black, Latino history in schools

ANSONIA — Members of the Valley NAACP stressed the importance of teaching African American and Latino history, forming human relations clubs and hiring teachers of color.

For nearly two hours Wednesday, Greg Johnson, head of the Valley NAACP, led a roundtable discussion featuring local educators from Ansonia, Shelton and Naugatuck districts.

But more worrisome, he said, was who wasn’t there. Although they were invited, there were no representatives from Derby, Oxford and Seymour.

“That’s gravely concerning,” said Johnson. “I understand some people may have had commitments to keep, but alternate representatives could have been sent. We will continue to reach out and try to develop a relationship and partnership with them.”

Johnson commended those who did come and engaged in a conversation to develop ways to help minority students feel fully included and to equip them with the materials to be successful. Part of that was hiring more teachers of color, and a stronger emphasis on history from a non-white perspective.

Of the school districts that were represented, Johnson said, having Shelton there was important. Shelton is in a transition period, since it now is being led by an interim superintendent, Beth Smith.

Last year, Shelton Intermediate School students were involved in what appeared to be two racecharged incidents: A student was photographed wearing blackface and posting the photo the social media site Snapchat; about a month later, an intermediate school field trip was forced to leave the National Museum of African American History and Culture in Washington, D.C., after a white student spit over a balcony striking a Black patron.

“Shelton was directly open to make changes that will implement cultural diversity and help eliminate biases,” Johnson said. “We hope they look closely at the Human Relations club that is present in Ansonia High School.”

Kenneth Saranish, Shelton’s

Assistant Superintendent of Schools and one of those in attendance, said the district is aware of its lacks.

“At this point, we want to move forward,” Saranich said. “We want to work on how to correct things.”

Ansonia schools Superintendent Joseph DiBacco, who attended with district assistant superintendent Steve Bergin, said he was happy to be part of a conversation and dialogue he believes will assist the Valley schools in instituting long-term changes.

“Our kids need to be prepared as best as possible to be part of a global marketplace,” he said.

Ansonia has created several job placement pathways in its high school programs for any student who feels a need for more diverse options. The Allied

Health program with Griffin Hospital introduces students to careers as a certified nursing assistant or a patient care technician. Yale New Haven Hospital introduces students to the pharmacy technician field and a program with Sikorsky Aircraft involves an introduction to advanced manufacturing, he said.

“What I want to see is us growing our own teachers through the Future Teacher Association,” DiBacco said.

Also involved were NAACP member Diane Stroman, an Ansonia fourth-ward alderman; Kathy Yolish, Shelton’s Board of Education chairman; Chris Montini and Melissa Cooney, Naugatuck’s Superintendent and Assistant Superintendent of Schools, and Michele Raynor, curriculum director for School District 16, which includes Naugatuck.

This is the second in a series of discussions the

Valley NAACP has implemented. Earlier this month, members engaged in a similar dialogue with local police departments. Johnson said that discussion involved the use of excessive force, minority hiring and the creation of Explorer clubs.

He said there will be a follow-up meeting in August with educators to determine what changes are being made and what help is needed from the NAACP.