Dear Love Warriors,
As many of you know, on 6/12/24, a Black/Asian sixth grade student, was targeted by a 42-year-old white male during a Whatcom Middle School field trip. Why is this important? The white male singled out this young student, who was the only Black/Asian student in the group, calling him racial slurs and physically assaulting him.
When our young people are targeted, we stand with them.
We want to take a moment to discuss the critical importance of centering race in our work. Today, it is more crucial than ever to address issues of race and equity head-on and to ensure that they are at the forefront of everything we do. By centering race in our conversations, strategies, and actions, we acknowledge and confront the systemic inequities and biases that have historically disadvantaged certain groups of people. It allows us to recognize the unique challenges and experiences faced by individuals based on their race, and to work towards creating a more inclusive and just society for all.
Furthermore, by prioritizing race in our work, we can better understand the needs of marginalized communities and develop solutions that are truly equitable and sustainable. This approach not only benefits those directly impacted by systemic racism, but also strengthens our community by fostering a culture of diversity, empathy, and understanding.
As Love Warriors and community members, we ask each and every one of you to actively engage with issues of race, to listen to and amplify the voices of those affected, and to incorporate anti-racist practices into all aspects of our work. Here at Northwest Youth Services, we define anti-racism as the opposition to white supremacist culture and the capitalist system that upholds it. Anti-racist work is calling out and dismantling these oppressive and racist systems through consciousness, accountability, and cultural humility.
We ask that you take some time to reflect and sign on to the letter linked below.
Together, we have the power to make a difference and build a more just and inclusive community. Let us commit to centering race in our work and strive towards a future where everyone has equal opportunities and dignity
Jason McGill
Executive Director of Northwest Youth Services
“Love Warriors are those who have decided to cut radically against the grain and attempt to engage in forms of care and concern for others. They have a hypersensitivity to the suffering of others. They are willing to give oneself, to emptying oneself, to give whatever gifts one has cultivated to make the world a better place.”- Dr. Cornel West
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