Whenever I hear a white person say that we make everything about race, all I hear is that they don't like being reminded of how cruel white America were to black people because it makes them uncomfortable. But they never considered how uncomfortable we were suffering.
On September 11, 2001, Bernard Brown II, Asia Cottom, and Rodney Dickens—three bright, promising 11-year-old students—set out on an educational journey, eager to learn and explore new opportunities.
Accompanying them were their dedicated teachers, Hilda Taylor, Sarah Clark, and James Debeuneure, educators who believed in their students and their potential.
Tragically, their journey was cut short when American Airlines Flight 77 was hijacked and crashed into the Pentagon. Their lives, filled with dreams, promise, and a love for learning, were taken far too soon.
Today, we remember them—not just as victims of a tragedy, but as students and educators who represented the power of education, the pursuit of knowledge, and the unwavering dedication to shaping young minds. Their names, their contributions, and their impact should never be forgotten.
Let us honor them by continuing to uplift education, support young learners, and ensure that their legacy lives on. We remember.