As 2014 draws to a close, we add our voice to the millions of people all over the world struggling to make meaning, take productive action and maintain a sense of optimism in the face of injustice. We lift up the lives of Michael Brown, Eric Garner, Tamir Rice, and dozens of young men and women whose lives were cut short by a system that refuses to recognize their humanity. Their lives do matter – these recent events have sparked civic action and dialogue naming systemic oppression and racial bias at the heart of national discourse and demands for change.
Whether it’s our judicial system or our education system, there isn’t a simple answer to eliminating racialized outcomes. These complex equity challenges require new ways of working, thinking, and being together. We have to look for and lift up the bright spots, inclusive and creative approaches that justly serve young people and families. We have to talk to each other about what scares us, what confuses us, what inspires us. At times we may fall short, but we will not make progress if we don’t work and learn together.
Please consider the National Equity Project in your holiday giving this year. Your generous donation helps us continue to support leaders to tackle complex problems and find innovative solutions in their work toward equity for children and families.
To donate online visit bit.ly/nep-donate. To donate by mail please send a check to National Equity Project, 1720 Broadway, 4th Fl, Oakland, CA 94612.
We wish you a hopeful and healing holiday season and New Year.
Warm regards,
LaShawn Routé Chatmon
Executive Director
