FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Media Contacts:
Suzanne Arnold, [email protected], (609) 610-4957
Black Lives Matter
Washington, D.C. (June 6, 2020) – Save the Children Action Network (SCAN) President Mark Shriver issued the following statement, reflecting upon the past week when millions of Americans have rallied together to make their voices heard and to take a stand against racial injustice:
“SCAN mourns the tragic, senseless killings of George Floyd, Ahmaud Arbery, Breonna Taylor, Manuel Ellis and the countless others who have lost their lives due to unrelenting racial injustices. We stand in proud solidarity with the Black community and all those who have suffered from the hate and racism that is far too present in America today.
As an advocacy organization dedicated to improving the lives and opportunities of children, we believe no child should grow up in fear that they themselves, their parents, uncles, aunts, siblings and friends could be killed because of the color of their skin.
One of SCAN’s founding principles is that all children should have access to high-quality early childhood education that begins at birth and carries them through kindergarten. Yet, research by the National Black Child Development Institute has shown that Black children do not have equal access to high-quality early education and are suspended or expelled from programs at higher rates than any other race. That is unacceptable, and we will do more to address those disparities. We owe it to Black children, their families and our future.
We do not have all the answers, but we are dedicated to learning, listening and adapting. As an organization fueled by grassroots advocates, we will provide anti-racism training for staff and advocates. SCAN believes Black lives matter.
On Thursday, Reverend Al Sharpton powerfully eulogized George Floyd, speaking of the strength of grassroots organizations and movements, such as the movement sweeping across the country right now. SCAN joins this movement and marches in solidarity with the Black community, particularly Black children and their families, as well as our Black colleagues and volunteers.
To paraphrase Reverend Sharpton, ‘time is out’ for making excuses, for empty words and empty promises. SCAN remains committed to working with our advocates and coalition partners to fight injustice and racism in the early education system.”
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Save the Children Action Network was created in 2014 as the political advocacy arm of Save the Children, to be the political voice for kids. We work to ensure that the issues critical to children’s lives and futures are given top priority by our elected leaders, building bipartisan support to make sure every child has a strong start in life. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and YouTube.