June 19, 1865, was a monumental day in American History, also known as Juneteenth, marking the unofficial end of slavery in the United States when federal orders were given in Galveston to free all previously enslaved people across the State of Texas.

Yet more than 150 years since that pivotal day, racism remains prevalent across our country and across our communities. It is important to reflect on this historic day and even more important that we recommit to disrupting systemic racism across the United States, Oregon, and West Linn-Wilsonville.

I have been asked recently, how our school district teaches students about racism and how we have made changes in our instructional practices as well as provide supports to our students of color. It is important to both recognize the work that has been done and our ongoing commitment to doing better.

READ ABOUT HOW WEST LINN-WILSONVILLE IS TEACHING ABOUT RACISM IN SCHOOLS