Dear Smart Start Community,
George Floyd’s memorial service on June 4th was a sad and emotional culminating event in the life of a murdered Black man. What it cannot be is a culminating event in our community’s response to combat racism and inequity. We all know the names of Arbery, Floyd, and many others who have been the ultimate victims of racism and hate. Sadly, very few of us know the names of the countless Black and Brown people who suffer inequity, injustice, emotional, and physical pain every day. Until we all stand up and take on their fight, we have not fulfilled our duty as citizens of this great county.
Our goals for the children of Mecklenburg County cannot be achieved without first recognizing and dismantling the systems of bias that provide privilege to some and are inequity to others. We must continue to work towards advancing equity with humility and awareness of our history and limitations, and a recognition that no individual, leader, or organization has all the answers.
On behalf of Smart Start of Mecklenburg County, we commit to standing with our community and relentlessly working together to create environments where each and every child, family, and early childhood professional can thrive. As the leaders of this organization, we will fight to ensure everyone has a voice, and oppression is stopped in its place the minute it dares to rear its ugly head. The youngest citizens of Mecklenburg County are counting on us to do better. We must deliver for them.
Statements and letters have concluding sentences. This one does not. The conversation continues and we are listening.
Yours In Service,
Jake House
Incoming CEO, Smart Start of Mecklenburg County
Mike Blackwelder
Interim Executive Support, Smart Start of Mecklenburg County
Cheryl Richards
Board Chair, Smart Start of Mecklenburg County