One Year Ago Today …
One year ago today,
I attempted to end my own life and wrote a letter of resignation, not because I was guilty of anything that I was being accused of at the time, but because I could not bear the weight of our community believing the lie of a singular individual attempting to assassinate my character.
Our country has a history of lynching Black men by these allegations. Now with cancel-culture, instead of waiting for the facts and allowing individuals to have their day to be proven innocent, we attack them and throw them away. I was once that person that would throw someone away without hearing all of the facts, but I was wrong.
On May 29th, 2021 I wrote a letter to then-President Olson that would be used as my final letter to the Denver School Board at that time; today, for the first time, I will be releasing the contents of the letter.
Madam President,
Today I, at this moment resign effective immediately from the Denver School Board; I ran for this office to ensure that the voices that were often left out of the conversation were elevated, to ensure that Black boys could see themselves reflected on the Denver School Board; however today I can no longer take on the weight of our DPS community believing that I have used this office to hurt those that we represent.
I know that the ongoing investigation will eventually prove my innocence. Still, I can no longer allow my family to be attacked in grocery stores and on social media, my one-month-old son has been the target of threats, and on top of everything, my mental health has taken a serious blow.
This will be my last letter to you all, both in a public and private capacity; my faith teaches me these words as we transition to becoming an ancestor:
7 I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. 8 Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day — and not only to me but also to all who have longed for his appearing
My only ask is that Denver Public Schools wrap their arms around my family, especially Khalil.
I didn’t submit this letter but proceeded to have a mental health crisis which almost ended with me taking my own life. I have this letter printed on my desk and read it when life hits rough spots, but I am reminded that if I didn’t give up on my toughest day, why would I now?
Since this day, I have had a rollercoaster of a year, from protests calling for me to be castrated to elected Vice President of the Denver School Board and then President of the Colorado Black Caucus of School Board Directors. — on this day, one year ago, it was my family and loved ones that saved my life when I wanted to give it all up, they know who they are, and I can’t thank them enough.
I share my story to encourage someone else going through a difficult time never to give up. You are not alone; I felt alone and wanted to end it all, but someone else believed in me when I didn’t believe in myself.
For more resources, visit: https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org/
—
Vice President, Tay Anderson
