My mom was a teacher. In the 1960s and '70s, she taught history

"My mom was a teacher. In the 1960s and '70s, she taught history at two largely African American public high schools in Washington, D.C. - McKinley Tech and H.D. Woodson. Her example taught me the importance of equality for all Americans." These words from Brett Kavanaugh are a testament to the profound influence of a mother’s example on her child—a reminder that education is not simply a means of imparting knowledge, but a tool for shaping the future and teaching the values that build a just and compassionate society. Kavanaugh’s reflection reveals the deep wisdom passed down through his mother’s work as a teacher, where her commitment to equality was not just a profession, but a calling that illuminated the way for generations to come.

In the ancient world, education was held as sacred, often entrusted to those who understood the weight of shaping the minds of the young. Socrates, the philosopher, spent his days teaching the youth of Athens, guiding them not only in the ways of reason and philosophy but in the pursuit of virtue and justice. He believed that education was the key to unlocking the potential of individuals and society alike. Similarly, Brett Kavanaugh’s mother, a teacher of history, was not simply imparting facts about the past, but shaping the minds and hearts of young people, preparing them to face the future with a sense of responsibility, compassion, and the firm belief in equality.

The context of her teaching—McKinley Tech and H.D. Woodson, schools in Washington, D.C.—was no accident. These schools were largely African American institutions, and during the 1960s and 1970s, the United States was grappling with the tumultuous but transformative years of the Civil Rights Movement. To teach history during such a time was to confront the very essence of what it meant to live in a society built on injustice and inequality. The courage to teach equality in this context, to impart the values of justice and compassion, was not just about transmitting knowledge—it was a profound act of resistance to the entrenched systems of racial discrimination that sought to define the future of America. Kavanaugh’s mother did not simply teach her students; she inspired them to see a world of possibilities, a world where equality for all was not a dream, but a right.

Her example, as Kavanaugh reflects, left an indelible mark on him. A mother’s actions can mold a child’s heart as surely as a teacher’s lessons shape a student’s mind. In the act of teaching her students, she exemplified the very principle that would become a cornerstone of Kavanaugh’s understanding of the world: that equality for all Americans is not just a lofty ideal, but a fundamental truth that should guide our actions and decisions. In the classrooms of McKinley Tech and H.D. Woodson, she planted the seeds of justice and respect, showing her students that the pursuit of equality was not merely political, but deeply human—it was a moral duty that transcended race, creed, or social standing.

Consider the legacy of those who have fought for equality throughout history. Martin Luther King Jr., for instance, was not only a leader of the Civil Rights Movement but an educator in his own right. His words, spoken to millions, taught the power of nonviolence, of peaceful protest, and of seeing everyone—regardless of their race or background—as equal in dignity. Just as Dr. King called for a world where people could "be judged by the content of their character and not the color of their skin," Brett Kavanaugh’s mother, through her teaching, helped to foster a generation of young people who could not only dream of such a world but actively work to bring it to fruition.

Brett Kavanaugh’s reflection is a reminder of the power of education and the vital role of teachers in shaping the future. It is through education that we pass on the values that define us—our belief in equality, our commitment to justice, and our unwavering faith in the potential of every human being. As Kavanaugh’s mother taught history, she was not just sharing facts about the past but teaching her students to understand the importance of shaping a more just and equal world. In the same way, we must recognize that the fight for equality is not just a battle of laws or policies, but a fight to shape the hearts and minds of the next generation.

The lesson, then, is clear: equality is not merely an abstract concept, but a living truth that must be passed down, nurtured, and acted upon in our daily lives. Each of us, in our own way, can be teachers of this truth, guiding the next generation toward a world where the inherent dignity of every individual is recognized and respected. Just as Kavanaugh’s mother shaped her students by imparting the values of equality and fairness, so too can we shape the world by teaching these principles in our own homes, schools, and communities. The fight for equality is ongoing, but through education, example, and commitment, we can ensure that it remains the guiding force in our lives and in the lives of those who will follow us.

So, future generations, take these words to heart. Learn from the lessons of those who have fought before you, and teach the principles of equality and justice to those who will come after you. Just as Brett Kavanaugh’s mother shaped him with the belief that equality for all Americans is a moral truth, so must you carry forward the torch of equality with courage and conviction. For it is through education, through the shaping of minds and hearts, that we will build the world we all dream of—a world where every person, regardless of their background, is seen and treated as equal.