"I appeal to all of you to get into this great revolution that is sweeping this nation. Get in and stay in the streets of every city, every village and hamlet of this nation until true freedom comes, until the revolution of 1776 is complete." - John Lewis, 1940-2020

John Lewis shared those words in his speech as part of the 1963 March on Washington. He was 23 years old, and the youngest speaker to grace the podium that day. As I reflect on his recent passing, my heart is heavy. Lewis was well aware that the "revolution of 1776" did not include the "freedom" of his ancestors. As the son of sharecroppers, and growing up in the Deep South during the era of segregation, he knew as well as anyone that "all" Americans were STILL not "free." Even after organizers cautioned him to "tone down" his speech, Lewis stood boldly on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial, and made a call to action to all who were in attendance and watching around the country to fight for "true freedom."

For parents of students with learning challenges, the sudden move to distance learning created a new landscape for engagement, learning, self-confidence, and mental health. There is unfamiliar vulnerability on all sides. For parents, this may be the first time you have observed your child "doing" school in real time. Your home is now the context for your child's education and wellbeing. For teachers, most have heroically stepped up to accommodate this new model of curriculum delivery, reconstruction of classroom culture, and caring.