The fight for ethnic studies across the country has deep roots, with some states celebrating over five decades of students learning radical self-love, cultural knowledge and critical thinking through ethnic studies classes. As Minnesotans we are reminded that we have little to celebrate.

Our students’ realities, upbringings, and history are still ignored in most of our schools across the state. Their self worth is questioned every day when they don’t see themselves reflected in the curriculum, textbooks, and teaching practices. We are tired of being lied to about our people. We are demonized, dehumanized, and portrayed as uneducated beings, when we know very well that our communities are brilliant, our people are wise, our families are powerful, and our students deserve better. That’s why we are eager to launch the campaign “Our History Our Schools” We want an education system that will allow all our students to be their full selves regardless of their race, class and gender. We want an education that honors our upbringings and reclaims our stories. An education that reminds our students that they are worthy; one that honors their inherent dignity, power, and voice in our schools. We want to revolutionize the education system.

We know all too well that this fight cannot be won alone. In order for us to truly win ethnic studies in all our schools in Minnesota, we must do so as a community. We are students, parents, organizers, and educators working together for our collective liberation because as our students say: this is “Our History, Our Schools.”