I watched Kimberle Crenshaw's videos on Intersectionality. What resonated with me is when she talked about the Black women she was defending who were being discriminated against not only because their race but also because of their gender. Crenshaw says that those who face intersectionality have "two or more punches" thrown against them. I immediately relate this to many students that I have worked with in the past who are ENL and SWD. In my experiences, these students tend to face the most discrimination and exclusion. These students are not included in programs such as afterschool or band/orchestra because not only are they SWD, but they are also ELLs and it is often assumed that the families won't even speak English, so why bother. After reflecting on these videos and the prominent issues of intersectionality, I will commit to advocating for my students and their families who are, as Crenshaw describes, struggling with two or more punches being thrown against them.
