We all should be equally outraged by the events that not only demand our present attention, but also by those things that are currently being exacerbated as a result of the pandemic, which has had a disproportionate impact upon communities of color. While our outrage may start with the voicing of uncomfortable truths about ourselves and how the privileges we’ve been given have disadvantaged others unfairly, we mustn’t stop there. We must be bold and brave enough to take the next steps and actively and intentionally work to redress these wrongs. Today, the Collaboration Council invites you to join us in this work. Help us to amplify the voices of those who have been traditionally marginalized. Assist us in working toward equitable outcomes for youth of color who find themselves wrapped up in the criminal justice system. Donate to the work we support, such as mentoring for girls of color in communities that lack access to equitable resources. Volunteer your time and talents to join one of our committees that are working to ensure community voice and inclusion in decision-making.
There are steps that can be taken in order to make sure that deep, transformative change takes place, but we must remain vigilant. The change we seek will not happen immediately, but it can and will happen if we choose to do it in the spirit of collaboration. Onward.
-Elijah Wheeler
