The family of a Black fifth-grader in California demanded answers for why a teacher awarded the child a toy monkey and toilet filled with fake poop for her participation in an elementary school fundraiser.
KTTV reported that Genesis Thomas, who attends Mann Elementary School in Long Beach, California, helped raise $160 for a school fundraiser. For her efforts, her teacher gifted her the toys. But when Genesis’ parents saw them, they were outraged.
“It was the prize that she received that we found inappropriate. The prize was a monkey and a toilet with poop in it. African Americans have been referred to as monkeys throughout history and for her to receive a monkey… it’s unacceptable, just unacceptable,” said Craig Polk, Genesis’ great-uncle.
The family said they contacted the principal multiple times but received no response…