PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE

Dear CMC Family, 

 

As we immerse ourselves in the reverence of Black History Month this February, I invite you to reflect on the wisdom of Nelson Mandela in our collective mission as an organization. Mandela once imparted, “For to be free is not merely to cast off one’s chains, but to live in a way that respects and enhances the freedom of others” (McKenna 2024). This sentiment encapsulates our relentless pursuit of equity, diversity, and belonging in mathematics education.

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At the heart of the California Mathematics Council’s vision lies a profound belief: every student possesses the inherent ability to excel in mathematics given equitable support, access to resources, and opportunities. Yet, we cannot ignore the systemic barriers that have historically hindered the academic journey of Black and Brown students, as well as those from marginalized communities. It is incumbent upon us to dismantle these barriers and cultivate an inclusive and equitable learning environment.

 

In the spirit of Mandela’s words, let us commit to living out the essence of freedom by advocating for social justice and equity in education. Our mission, rooted in advancing professional development, advocating for rigorous mathematics education, and fostering diversity in leadership, mirrors the ethos of Black History Month. We must engage in meaningful dialogue, collaborate with educators and stakeholders, and champion policies that ensure every student receives high-quality mathematics education.

 

As an immigrant, I understand the importance of amplifying the voices of marginalized communities and advocating for their rightful place in educational spaces. I pledge to champion a mathematics education that is Restorative, Emancipatory, Accessible, and Limitless (REAL) (Salgarino 2023, 11). This commitment entails nurturing environments where every student feels valued, empowered, and equipped to excel in mathematics and beyond.

 

To transcend the confines of February and infuse Black history and culture into our mathematics education year-round, let us draw inspiration from resources such as TODOS Mathematics for All, Benjamin Banneker Inspired Lessons, and W. E. B. Du Bois’ Hand-Drawn Infographics of African-American Life (1900). Incorporating these invaluable resources into our teaching practices ensures that Black history and culture are celebrated and honored in mathematics classrooms throughout the year.

 

Let us reaffirm our dedication to inclusive mathematics education. Together, we possess the power to forge a just and equitable future for all students, regardless of their backgrounds or circumstances. Let us harness the power of the following invaluable resources to enrich our appreciation and celebration of Black History Month within the realm of mathematics education. I urge you to delve into these resources to deepen your understanding and celebration of Black History Month:

 

• TODOS: Mathematics for All - Black History Month Resources: www.todos-math.org/blackhistory
   

• W.E.B. Du Bois’ Hand-Drawn Infographics of African American Life (1900):publicdomainreview.org/collection/w-e-b-du-bois-hand-drawn-infographics-of-african-american-life-1900/
   

• Benjamin Banneker Association - Celebrate Benjamin Banneker:www.benjaminbannekerassociation.org/celebrate-benjamin-banneker

 

With sincere regards,

Ma Bernadette Andres-Salgarino, Ed.D., NBCT

President, California Mathematics Council

 

References

McKenna, Amy. 2024. “15 Nelson Mandela Quotes.” Britannica. https://www.britannica.com/list/nelson-mandela-quotes

 

Salgarino, Ma Bernadette. 2023. “Mathematics Framework: R.E.A.L. Math.” CMC-N Mathematics Conference Asilomar 2023 Schedule,11. https://www.cmc-math.org/_files/ugd/fbf192_43b2add892e24b5e85920e5f85352bbf.pdf?index=true