YDEKC Members and Friends:
Black Lives Matter.
We are listening, we are learning and we are leaning in, as we continue to work towards becoming more antiracist in all we do. As a white person, I personally have benefited from all of the entrenched racist systems at play in our country. I have so much of my own work to do. And we have so much work to do together to not only say that Black Lives Matter, but to stand behind it with our actions. YDEKC Members stood up this past week to share statements of solidarity and rage at the ongoing trauma and deaths from two public health epidemics rooted in systemic racism – COVID-19 and the senseless killings of Black people. For many, these statements have been a reiteration of their values, commitment, and resolve to ensure young people — especially those furthest from justice — can thrive. For others, this is a moment of awakening, and one for us to build from. We stand resolved to examine and dismantle the ways we as an organization, and as a sector, have been complicit in keeping racist power structures in place. We look forward to partnering together for a future where all young people can thrive in a world free of fear.
With gratitude and commitment,
Jessica
Executive Director
Youth Development Executives of King County
ydekc.org | jwerner@ydekc.org | 206.336.6912 |