As a network of advocates for children, we stand in solidarity with children, youth, families, and community members across the country to denounce the violent forces of racism and state-sanctioned violence that murdered George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, and Ahmaud Arbery, along with hundreds of other Black fathers, mothers, sons, and daughters. We believe Black Lives Matter.
Our community is struggling today to find ways to respond to three crises at once: a global pandemic, a flailing economy, and police brutality. All of these crises disproportionately leave a damaging and lasting impact on Black children and their families and communities. The anger inflaming our nation today is the consequence of centuries of oppression against Black communities that stifle opportunities for upward mobility for many Black children, and label Black human lives as disposable.
As leaders of organizations, we stand firm to our collective commitment to racial and ethnic equity. We support our Black leaders and leaders of color. We are here to listen, to support, and unapologetically fight for justice.
Our hearts weigh heavy with the pain felt across the nation today, but the power of our communities gives us hope. We are honored to join you to demand a better way forward to ensure we have policies, systems and supports so all children have what they need to grow up healthy and succeed.
Sincerely,
Deborah Stein, Network Director
John Brandon, Board Co-Chair
Tasha Green Cruzat, Board Co-Chair and Racial and Ethnic Equity Committee Co-Chair
Mayra Alvarez, Racial and Ethnic Equity Committee Co-Chair
Many members of the Partnership for America’s Children have also issued statements of their own. Please find them linked below:
Advocates for Children of New Jersey
Arkansas Advocates for Children and Families
Child and Family Policy Center
Citizens’ Committee for Children of New York
Connecticut Voices for Children
Hawaii Children’s Action Network
Oklahoma Institute for Child Advocacy