Generations of Black parents have dreamt of a better world for their child than the one they grew up in.
Years ago, a North Carolina family looked into the face of a young George Floyd and likely had these same dreams. What they lived out was a nightmare. It's a nightmare shared by too many.
Racism affects all of us and is enduring. The lived experiences of Black families illuminate disparities within our communities of color regarding every aspect of life. We could talk about the supporting data, but we would rather talk about what we see, hear, and feel. Because that is the reality we all must face and change - and because that is the reality young children are living in.
If what we are doing is not working, we must do something different. Black Lives Matter.
That call for change was recognized by our Board of Directors, and is expressed in our new 2020-2023 Strategic Plan. With each objective, we focus on advancing racial and ethnic equity. Through this equity lens, we will encourage more parent leadership and will expand the use of equity informed data to drive forward collaborative, innovative impact.
Wake County Smart Start rejects racism and discrimination in all forms. We share the anger, grief, and frustration of our community in the face of systemic racism that leads to disparities. To the Black community and to all families of color - we can do more, and we will.
