Our Voices must be Heard

LatinaHerstory

by Talia Rodriguez

Entered onto the record, her soft, innocent voice filled the echoes of the chamber as she confidently addressed the body, one of four siblings to speak before a local school board during the public comment period. Her brown eyes gazed up from her handwritten speech and found complete silence. She and her brothers captivated the attention of a group of caring adults and their digital audience. The Fisher children lifted the room’s energy, as demonstrations of the youthful intellect held within the dynamic Buffalo Public School student body. Speaking about strengthening transportation services, the stars of the night were the children of Maelena Fisher, proud Latina, President of (SEPAC).

Per their website, SEPAC is dedicated to advocating and supporting our district’s over 6,000 students with disabilities and heightened needs. We assist by identifying & advising the District’s Special Education Division as well as the Board of Education in the areas of access and inclusion. Instructing her children by example on “civic literacy” which according to experts means “the ability to participate in and initiate change in society” and is foundational to democracy. Maelena is an inspiration.

Sitting in the audience, it was an honor to witness their commitment and dully humbling to ask the Fisher family for their vote of confidence as a Latina school board candidate. As Latinas we must continue to move our work forward both from within and alongside systems, our voices must be heard, especially those of students. That night Maelena made that happen for herself, our community, and her children, and I left the board meeting so proud of us all.

In Maelena’s interview, as a mom, she discusses her motivation to empower students and her hopes for the future. Learn about her journey to serving as a leading Latina voice in Buffalo.

What motivates you to seek a change within education?

My journey started when my son was in 4th grade but testing on a pre-k level. It was then I knew we as parents needed to be better informed, and learn how to ask the right questions. I have now dedicated myself to educating all parents on their rights and how to ask the questions necessary so children can get the help they need.

What advice do you have for people who want to be more involved in public education?

Show up and be present. Become informed on the programs available to students, become informed on educational law. Ask questions of your administrators and teachers. It is ok to not know something, there are people around to help at all times. Buffalo especially has amazing parent groups like, SEPAC, DPCC and BPTO who dedicate themselves to helping parents and educating them.

What do you think makes a great teacher?

– Teachers who can meet a child where they are, if they are advanced, keep them challenged and encourage them forward. The teachers who see a child struggling and ensure the child receives the help they need to become successful. Teachers who motivate students to be the best versions of themselves. You can feel the presence of these amazing teachers when you walk in their classroom and their students flourish.

What are the most important lessons you want school to teach your children?

– School is about learning educationally, but also socially and emotionally. Especially like in an Urban

district like Buffalo. We have children from all walks of life, it is also learning we are all different but we are beautiful as well. To love those differences and celebrate them. I also want them to learn that education and knowledge is power that no one will ever be able to take away from them.

When was the first time you spoke at the board and what motivated you to bring your children?

– I first spoke at the board meeting when I was fighting to get my son the educational help he needed. I needed them to know parents should not have to struggle to get the help for their children. I then shortly after started bringing the kids with me to speak as well. I want my children to know that although they are young, they have a voice. A voice for all students and especially Latin/Hispanic students like them. All it takes is one person to start change, and that change can start with them.

Talia Rodriguez is a bi-racial, bi-cultural, and bi-lingual Latina from Buffalo. Ms. Rodriguez’s mission is to write about Latina’s, who have shaped the face of our city and our region. It is Ms. Rodriguez’s believes that our own people should inspire us and in telling our collective stories, we push our community forward. Ms. Rodriguez is a community advocate and organizer. She is a 5th generation West Sider, a graduate of SUNY Buffalo Law School, and an avid baseball fan. She lives on the West Side with her young son A.J… Ms. Rodriguez sits on the board of several organizations including the Belle Center, where she attended daycare. Ms. Rodriguez loves art, music, food, and her neighbors. You can send your comments or questions to talia.rodriguez.716@gmail.com.