My grandfather, Patrick Flaherty emigrated from Ireland to the United States in 1881. He was twenty-five. He married my grandmother in 1888. His occupation as listed on the marriage certificate was “laborer.” By the early 1900s, Patrick had opened a liquor store and bar. He was on his way to building wealth and status, so important in America. How could that have happened so soon? I’m sure he encountered resistance and challenges, but Patrick had an important advantage. He was white. However, as I reflect on this family history, I have come to understand that I have had many opportunities that I have taken for granted due to that small difference and Patrick’s perseverance.
Critical Race Theory was developed in the 1980s by Black legal scholars. The goal was to develop ways of examining the impact of laws and policies of the United States that continue to result in unjust outcomes for non-white citizens. Over time these laws and policies have created a deeply radicalized country. The resistance to examining this systemic practice of holding back large segments of our society is morally destructive and financially stupid. Demonizing Critical Race Theory will fail to prevent our fellow Americans from reaching their goals for themselves and for their families. Maya Angelou expressed this hope and expectation in her poem “Still I Rise”
Kathleen Rooney
Concord