RAW stands united with our kids and families against racism.

Over the past few days, RAW’s young people and their families have seen violent acts committed against people who look like them. They watched a man who looked like them get murdered by a police officer as other officers idly looked on and did nothing. They saw a person who looked like them be falsely accused of assault by a white woman, aware that this man could face the same fate as George Floyd would just a day later. As did Eric Garner, Sandra Bland, Philando Castille, and countless others before him. These acts are a painful reminder of the generational trauma inflicted upon black people and other people of color at the hands of those who hold the most power and privilege in our country. For RAW’s black youth and other youth of color, and our staff, this is one of the heaviest weeks we’ve collectively experienced together. Young people are reeling from the violence against people who look like them and their families.

In RAW Chiefs group this week, art therapists Jason and Laura asked the teens: “What’s on your mind?” At RAW, we know that if young people trust you, they will answer you honestly. And they did. They drove the conversation and focused on the violence of this week. Often, they answered the question with their own questions: “What systems can be put in place to ensure accountability?” “What are we going to do for the future safety for people of color in our community?” “Why is it that people think a question of human rights qualifies as a question of politics?” “Why do people who benefit from privilege and the oppression of black bodies deny their privilege instead of using it to lift up those in need?” “Why can’t I live without fear of those who are supposed to protect me?”

RAW believes kids should be seen and heard. Our youth, alumni, and staff know this is not the time for silence. RAW’s staff stands united with our kids and families against racism and the institutionalized systems that have perpetuated the mistreatment and oppression of people of color. These recent events stand in stark contrast to our belief that black lives EVERYWHERE matter.

-May 31, 2020