Learning Communities Foundation Supporters:
As I reflect over the last four months, I am saddened to think of the number of people who have lost their lives or been negatively impacted due to the COVID-19 pandemic. We are all in uncharted waters, and we are doing our best to adapt our routines as we must. Through social distancing, the appropriate use of masks, and daily Zoom meetings, we are making sure that our work continues to serve families, students and our community.
I have also been deeply impacted by the recent senseless deaths in the black community at the hands of police brutality. It has triggered memories of too many deaths of black men and women, including my own family member, at the hands of police. I feel compelled to look for hope, forgiveness and healing. There are three things that keep coming to my mind as I heal my heart.
Our history. I am saddened at the thought that in 2020, some of the same terrible practices from 400 years ago are still going on against Black people. Admiration. I have so much admiration for the resilience of a community of people who persevere despite the negative odds stacked against them.
Engagement. I am grateful that we are now, today, holding space to have crucial conversations about these unjust acts and practices, about racism in our country, and about the fact that our Black lives do matter.
It is so important for every child to feel valued and to know that their lives matter, so let's do our part to make sure we're valuing Black lives in our work, in our communities and in our society. I’m leaning in to make change by having hard conversations, participating in workshops around racial equity, and growing black wealth by patronizing Black-owned businesses. Guided by a goal of eliminating opportunity gaps, I'm inspired knowing that our partners and programs are identifying ways to lean into this work as well.
In this newsletter, I'll share the impact that you made on students and families through your support during the GiveBIG campaign, and I'll highlight one of the valuable programs that we support at Puget Sound Educational Service District.
Warmly,
Wendy Armour
Director, Learning Communities Foundation
