Ruth-Terry Walden Attends National Facing Race Conference
By Mark Hu, Hamden High School Junior and ARTLC Writing Fellow
Last November, with the support of the William Caspar Graustein Memorial Fund, Stamford’s Westhill High School Teacher Ruth-Terry Walden attended the national Facing Race Conference in Phoenix, Arizona. The biannual conf erence, organized by the national racial justice organization Facing Race, brought together hundreds of organizers, educators, artists, advocates, philanthropists to discuss pressing racial justice issues. Walden is a long-time high school and adult educator who also serves on the Steering Committee of the ARTLC. The interview below, conducted by Mark Hu, has been edited for length and clarity.
Mark Hu: What were some of the highlights of the conference?
Ruth-Terry Walden: The most important takeaway for me was global activism and social awareness. What was just breathtaking was to see all of the various levels and constituencies of activism represented at the conference. There were so many community activists that it was both encouraging and inspiring. People from many different walks of life who felt it was important to be civically and community-engaged were all in attendance.
Mark Hu: What were some key things that you learned at the conference?
Ruth-Terry Walden: I learned that good conversations result in many things. The conference was organic. We were all downtown; we could walk to the civic center and local businesses just by heading in the same direction. That setup allowed the connections you made with people were very fruitful. I met a group of women at the conference and ended up having dinner with them that night. What surprised me was that some of what we discussed that night was mentioned at the event the next day. I never thought that that night’s conversation would be able to further the conference’s discussions.
Mark Hu: What can you take back to your students in the classroom?
Ruth-Terry Walden: It’s crucial to find what can impact other people and do something towards that cause. Sure, what you’re participating in won’t change overnight, but it’s the action that you’re taking that counts. Sustaining your efforts and keeping at it will help grow both the cause and yourself.
Mark Hu: Why are these experiences of professional development vital to teachers?
Ruth-Terry Walden: It gives us a shot to connect with like-minded people. You know you are a part of an interconnected network of activists who understand that passion is a way of life. The conference was so inspiring.
Mark Hu: Given what you’ve gained from conferences, do you agree with holding more to accommodate larger audiences?
Ruth-Terry Walden: I encourage other educators to participate in similar conferences, as it is a great way to build a network and open your mind further. You will learn a lot.