Issue link: http://educator.cta.org/i/1470295
I, Too, Sing America Two aspiring, undocumented educators share their struggles — and how they are speaking up for fellow immigrants and DACA recipients By Brenda Álvarez I N T H E F A M O U S P O E M , "I, Too," Langston Hughes constructs a powerful and unde- niable message: African Americans have long contributed to the rich fabric of the United States and will one day be recognized, included, and celebrated as part of mainstream society, ending racism and oppression for Black Americans. Nearly 100 years after the poem was written, its message still rings true for many marginalized groups, from African Americans to Indigenous people to families who came to this country generations ago to the newcomers of today. But those who have lived in the shadows of society are slowly coming "out of the kitchen" to declare that they "too, sing America." Among them are 15,000 educators with Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) status — a federal policy that protects immigrants who were brought to the U.S. as chil- dren. DACA recipients receive temporary lawful status that prohibits their deportation and makes it legal for them to work and get a driver's license, among other life-changing provisions. DACA, however, doesn't provide a pathway to citizenship. Here, two Student CTA members who are DACA recipients share their stories. I, Too I, too, sing America. I am the darker brother. They send me to eat in the kitchen When company comes, But I laugh, And eat well, And grow strong. Tomorrow, I'll be at the table When company comes. Nobody 'll dare Say to me, "Eat in the kitchen," Then. Besides, They 'll see how beautiful I am And be ashamed— I, too, am America. — Langston Hughes, 1901-1967. First published in 1926. Kim White 17 J U N E / J U L Y 2 0 2 2 Feature