Matt Hatchett, Prince George’s County Social Studies Teacher
Matt Hatchett is a social and political activist, and 7th grade social studies teacher at Gwynn Park Elementary School. Matt’s part of a book club and mutual aid group that discusses radical books about history and theory. “Before the year ends,” he says, “we plan to serve the community through a free grocery program, and we have plans for additional services and programs as well.” He makes good trouble for the Prince George’s County Educators’ Association. Check out his ActionLine Good Trouble Questionnaire!
What do you love the most about public schools? The opportunities that they bring for students to embrace and support their communities.
What issues agitate you most about public schools? Large class sizes. Because of the lack of staffing and resources, teachers often don’t have the support they need with large classes.
What kind of world do you want to leave for the next generation? A world without poverty so that each person has the freedom and support to fulfill their dreams.
What is your vision for public education? For schools to be able to further assist students and families in fulfilling their daily needs.
When did you first realize you had power and that your voice truly matters? As a college student, when I learned extensively about the work of the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee (SNCC) and the Black Panther Party, it showed me that no matter how young someone is they can still work to make a difference. It inspired me to create my own radical book club and mutual aid organization.
What is your favorite activist t-shirt? An Assata Shakur shirt that I got from 1804 Books in New York. (I’m wearing it, left!)
Who is your activist hero? Why? Kwame Ture, formerly known as Stokely Carmichael. His revolutionary work as the chairman of the SNCC after John Lewis and in the All-African People’s Revolutionary Party has inspired me tremendously.
Who else inspires you? Black empowerment leader and activist Malcolm X, playwright and author Lorraine Hansberry, activist and writer James Baldwin, and poet, activist, essayist, and teacher June Jordan.
What’s the best time you had making good trouble? Learning from elders who fought alongside some of my revolutionary heroes in the ’60s and ’70s.
What is your favorite union chant? “Finally got the news about how your dues are being used” from the League of Revolutionary Black Workers, which was formed after black auto workers were underrepresented in unions in the late ’60s. Click here and the image at left to stream the film Finally Got the News and learn more about the Black struggle for union representation.
What song gives you strength to fight for education justice? “Optimistic” by Critical Condition Band.
Who is your best activist buddy? Why? My brother, because we share similar beliefs and often have the same viewpoints.
What keeps you doing this work when it’s hard? The Amilcar Cabral quote “We must act as if we answer to, and only answer to, our ancestors, our children, and the unborn.” This helps me stay grounded and remember what I’m fighting for.
Self care is important. How do you take care of yourself? Dedicating certain time to rest, because if I’m not properly rested then I can’t accomplish all the things I need to at the best of my abilities.
What do you wish more members knew about getting involved in their local or MSEA? That our strength is in numbers— we have the power to fight against the issues that affect our job daily if we continue to build a strong union.
What one thing do you wish elected leaders and the public understood about your job? That the work educators put in daily with their students is what will determine how the future of this nation goes. Elected officials should be supporting educators thoroughly in every way imaginable.
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