BEST Kids Stands in Solidarity
In light of recent events here in our own back yard in Washington, DC, we'd like to reaffirm our solidarity and commitment to anti-racist work, as well as to reaffirm our care and concern for those in our community who are living in fear, and fighting against senseless violence, both overtly and systemically.
We are deeply saddened by the senseless violence perpetrated by those in positions of authority against Black people across the nation and by those committing acts in an effort to uphold white supremacist ideals. BEST Kids stands in solidarity with those that continue to fight against this oppression on a daily basis.
It is no secret that over 95% of the youth we serve are members of the Black community. We recognize the systemic racism and inequality, as well as the continued police and community violence within our country and our own city that directly and adversely impacts our youth, and in many ways is an added layer of trauma that they continue to experience every day. We refuse to be silent and ignore this issue that our nation has faced for many generations and is still facing today.
Instead, BEST Kids will band together to be an active part of the solution, and side with those striving to do the same. During these tumultuous times, we are taking the opportunity to re-examine ourselves and our programming and are dedicated to finding ways we can do and be better. We are creating intentional spaces to amplify the voices of our Black youth and are seeking ways to support our Black community both internally and externally. We are equipping our mentors to serve as a support to their mentees as they process and experience all of the racial discord, dysfunction, and pain that is happening in America today. We will continue to strive to support our Black and Brown youth, volunteers, staff, stakeholders, and donors as we are in fear, as we grieve, as we learn, as we protest, and as we take action to build better futures.
Now, more than ever, it is time for us to rise to the occasion of standing for what is right, helping to lift the voices of the often unheard or ignored, and helping to build our brothers and sisters up rather than stand by and allow them to be torn down. We hope you will join us in these continued efforts.
We are deeply saddened by the senseless violence perpetrated by those in positions of authority against Black people across the nation and by those committing acts in an effort to uphold white supremacist ideals. BEST Kids stands in solidarity with those that continue to fight against this oppression on a daily basis.
It is no secret that over 95% of the youth we serve are members of the Black community. We recognize the systemic racism and inequality, as well as the continued police and community violence within our country and our own city that directly and adversely impacts our youth, and in many ways is an added layer of trauma that they continue to experience every day. We refuse to be silent and ignore this issue that our nation has faced for many generations and is still facing today.
Instead, BEST Kids will band together to be an active part of the solution, and side with those striving to do the same. During these tumultuous times, we are taking the opportunity to re-examine ourselves and our programming and are dedicated to finding ways we can do and be better. We are creating intentional spaces to amplify the voices of our Black youth and are seeking ways to support our Black community both internally and externally. We are equipping our mentors to serve as a support to their mentees as they process and experience all of the racial discord, dysfunction, and pain that is happening in America today. We will continue to strive to support our Black and Brown youth, volunteers, staff, stakeholders, and donors as we are in fear, as we grieve, as we learn, as we protest, and as we take action to build better futures.
Now, more than ever, it is time for us to rise to the occasion of standing for what is right, helping to lift the voices of the often unheard or ignored, and helping to build our brothers and sisters up rather than stand by and allow them to be torn down. We hope you will join us in these continued efforts.
Black Lives Matter
BEST Kids is committed to examining and implementing ways we can continue to support our Black and Brown youth, mentors, and broader community to do our part in creating a more equitable and just community, starting right here locally. Here are some of the things we've been working on: