Many students and alumni of Camphill Academy, like me, come from diverse backgrounds and are eager to learn more about Anthroposophy and Curative Education – two instruments that teach us how to develop personal growth, health, and well-being.
To that end, I joined the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion group at the Camphill School, where I also studied Curative Education with the Camphill Academy. The DEI group at The Camphill School was created after the tragic murder of George Perry Floyd Jr., an African-American man, by a white police officer in Minneapolis, Minnesota, in 2020. The case sparked global outrage, and it became clear to us that we needed to start to talk about social issues that are intrinsically related to the Human Being, the core of our values connected to Anthroposophy.
The DEI group is responsible for organizing training and learning opportunities as well as events and activities related to topics of diversity, equity, inclusion and social justice. The group hosts meetings to encourage open conversations that can bring information, healing, and community building through communal study practices.
One of the events that the DEI group is responsible for is the celebration of Martin Luther King Jr.’s Day, observed on the third Monday of January each year. It is a federal holiday in the United States honoring the achievements of Martin Luther King Jr., who was a civil rights leader who advocated for nonviolent resistance against racial segregation.
Martin Luther King Jr. is remembered for leading marches to protest discrimination and demand equality for all people. His marches included the Detroit Walk to Freedom and the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom, both in 1963. During this march in Washington, D.C., Martin Luther King Jr. gave his famous “I Have a Dream” speech at the Lincoln Memorial. King’s speech called for an end to racism and, equal rights for all citizens, regardless of race. The speech is considered one of the most iconic speeches in American history. It helped change attitudes and led to a renewed commitment to equality and freedom for people of color.
To celebrate Martin Luther King Jr.’s Day, The Camphill School hosts an annual Walk-a-thon where quotes from Dr. King are shared with participants who will have the chance to feel inspired by his words of justice and freedom, to walk together reflecting on our ways to keep his ideals alive. All the students, parents, and employees are invited and encouraged to participate. During the two weeks leading up to the event, The Camphill School also collects and delivers donations to a food bank in Chester County.
As an alumnus of Camphill Academy, I feel that it is my obligation to advocate for justice, equity, freedom, and inclusion. The presence of diversity in Camphill communities is evident, and we need to celebrate it with opportunities and respect for everyone.
by Mauricio Ferreira – Academy alumnus
