Left: My life-sized poster of Houston Rockets legend Yao Ming, whose home country of China is the land of my ancestors, whose names are known going back to the 11th century.

Right: The American flag to which I lead my 2nd period Geometry-Honors class in a pledge of allegiance, every day, Monday through Friday, when school is in session.

And BTW, calling it the “Pledge to the Flag” is a misnomer. I remind my students that it’s much less a pledge to a symbol and much more a pledge of loyalty to the Republic for which it stands. That means it’s my solemn promise to the people of our one nation, from those standing next to me to those orbiting Earth in the ISS, that I will fight for unity against division, and for freedom from injustice, for everyone.

Please join me and my friend, the amazing New York-based actress Diane Phelan, in the #RacismIsAVirus campaign!