'There’s no way this is real': Parents outraged after Miami daycare paints children's faces black for Black History Month
MIAMI, FLORIDA: A Florida daycare is under criticism from a number of irate parents after a teacher dressed up her young students in blackface to honor Black History Month. After images of the whole class wearing blackface on Friday, February 10, 2023, were shared among parents, the director of Studio Kids Little River daycare in Miami issued an apology amid outrage.
Courtney Politis received images of toddlers with black paint on their faces from another parent on Friday. The children's faces, according to the parent, were painted black at Studio Kids Little River, a daycare in Miami. According to reports, it was the daycare's attempt to commemorate Black History Month.
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Politis, whose children attend the daycare, was shocked that educators would overlook how disrespectful it was. “I was like, ‘There’s no way this is real, this can’t be real,’” Politis explained to The Miami Herald. “I’m like, ‘Oh my god, all the children in the class painted with blackface,’” Politis, who is Black, added. “I was like, ‘There’s no way this is real. This can’t be real,’” he said, per reports from WCAX.
The incident elicited emotions of “anger, disbelief, and heartbreak,” she added. “I am shocked and somewhat destabilized,” another parent, who requested anonymity, said.
Politis texted the owner right away to complain about it being racist. "I'm sorry, question mark," was the owner's first reaction, according to Politis. Politis did, however, post blurred pictures of the kids that were given to her in order to preserve their privacy. She claimed that she has subsequently taken her children out of the facility.
What did the director of the daycare say?
Patricia Vitale, the director of the daycare, reportedly got in touch with parents that day to apologize and clarify that she hadn't meant to insult anyone. “We have not intended to offend anyone, and we are very sorry about any inconvenience," she said, adding, "The parents that know us, know that we have never had a bad intention in our institution. The issue is resolved already; 80 percent of the families are okay.”
The director informed the parents on Monday, February 13, that she had discussed a number of multicultural and ethical education-related topics with teachers and staff at a meeting. "You may rest assured this will never happen again," she wrote as a closing apology. The director did not elaborate on the situation in any additional detail.
Blackface has a troubled past as it was used to denigrate Black people and reinforce racist stereotypes. It dates back to the 19th century and was first used to mock Black people in minstrel shows. Since then, it has been extensively criticized for being offensive and unacceptable. the blackface controversy has recently surfaced in a number of societal arenas, including politics and the entertainment business.