Jimmy Le’s journey to amplify the voices of people of color (and other groups that face oppression) was influenced by his parents, who came to the United States as refugees from Vietnam when they were in high school. The necessary resources to encourage his parents to aspire to college were not available, and there was pressure on them to grow up quickly.

As part of an immigrant family in Fairfax County Public Schools, Jimmy is aware that he too could have benefitted from additional support. The Annandale High School area contains a high percentage of students of color and students living in poverty, and Jimmy felt an obligation to do something to help others in his school community.

Jimmy hosted a virtual town hall in May 2020 and interviewed former and current students. They shared many stories of their needs not being met in schools. For example, students of color felt they were not being encouraged to attempt advanced level classes. Jimmy knew he had an obligation to bring people together to work toward a solution. He felt it was not enough to recognize the challenge faced by students – there had to be action.

Jimmy helped start the Annandale Equity Team – a group of students, staff, and administrators who are working to reexamine procedures, create equitable opportunities for all students, and establish an anti-racist, inclusive, and transformative culture at Annandale High School. Jimmy said he’s very thankful for Sponsor Cory Haynes and students, Jocelyn McCullough and Emily Ngo, of the Justice High School Equity Team for the collaboration, solidarity, and unwavering kindness that was integral in helping him start a team at his school.

Jimmy collaborated with others in the Annandale Equity Team to create eight committees:

• College assistance;
• ELL (English language learners) access to AHS opportunities;
• Access to IB/honors for all;
• Anti-racism education;
• Curriculum -- anti-racist curriculum development;
• Participation in athletics and the arts;
• LGBTQ+ representation; and
• Pyramid development -- looking at ways to work with elementary and middle schools that feed into AHS.

Each committee meets monthly and then reports to the larger Annandale Equity Team meeting. Examples of current projects include a mentorship program to encourage students to take International Baccalaureate classes, anti-racism presentations, and a food and school supply drive.

Jimmy says he is committed to making real changes at Annandale, and he is hopeful that this group will continue in the future by recruiting younger members. Jimmy says that whichever path his life takes, he knows he will continue to defend and advocate for people in marginalized communities.