We at Child Care Aware of Washington are outraged at the murder of George Floyd and denounce the actions of the Minneapolis police officers. We are angry that many peaceful protests against injustice have been marred by further police brutality and we condemn the continued use of violence on people of color.
Child Care Aware of Washington stands with families of color who face the long-lingering impacts of racism and police brutality, and each and every family who opposes white supremacy in all its forms. We remain committed to ensuring that all children and families, especially those who are furthest from opportunity because of systemized racism, have access to equitable, quality child care and early learning programs that shrink the opportunity gap and lead to families thriving economically.
Racism harms all children, mostly and inequitably, children of color. As an organization, we envision a world where children do not experience police brutality against black men as the norm. Institutional racism is unacceptable, has persisted for far too long and we must act. Child Care Aware of Washington pledges to examine our organization and our work and reflect on the ways we contribute to racism and the ways in which we must change. We commit to take action, share our plan with those we serve – families, child care providers, informal caregivers and our partners – and to be held accountable for our progress.
As a first step, we have posted resources for how families and providers can talk with their children about racism. We anticipate building a plan that connects people with community forums, makes space for race-equity conversations, offers advocacy activities and challenges the systems in which we operate. As we build our racial equity action framework we invite you to provide input, share community resources, share your perspectives and join us.
We thank each individual, organization and system who stands with us to say “No More,”, examines their biases and takes action against injustice. Children need our leadership, humility, compassion, honesty, courage and urgency now and always. Eradicating racism is long overdue.
Deanne Burtch Puffert
Leave a Reply