A Statement on Black Lives Matter from our Executive Director

June 1, 2020

To Our VOCEL Village,

We are a nation in pain. Today I write with a heavy heart to acknowledge that pain and anguish, and to condemn the horrific dehumanization and killing of Black lives that is far too prevalent in our community and across our country. As an organization charged with helping our children—many of them Black—find their voices, lift their spirits, and develop into leaders in their earliest years, we will not be silent.

Black Lives Matter.

While these appalling acts have been highlighted this week, they have been occurring for far too long. In fact, they have been occurring for as long as this country has existed. We are devastated by the overt acts of racism that are taking cherished Black lives in our country, and we commit to being a part of the solution to end systemic racism. As a community, we have to do better.

We at VOCEL stand in solidarity with our staff, our families and our communities, all of whom are directly impacted by this pervasive racism. We’ve heard from Black members of our VOCEL community that they fear for their children’s futures, that they fear for the lives of the Black men and women they love, and that they are understandably at a loss for what will ultimately bring change and healing. We recognize the systems that allow these tragedies to occur – and we are committed to exacting change, listening, and lifting the voices of people of color.

With a dedication to supporting our youngest children and their parents and caregivers, we are specifically looking to leaders like The Conscious Kid and Embrace Race for guidance. These organizations are sharing helpful resources families can use to navigate these trying times and help determine the actions we all can take.

Sending you all peace, strength and love.

Kelly Powers
Executive Director