At Idaho Head Start Association, we echo the sentiments many of you are feeling -- anger, heartbreak, fear, despair and exhaustion -- as we struggle in the face of continued brutality and injustices that Black and Brown people face daily as a result of systemic and structural racism.
The Covid-19 pandemic, which has disproportionately affected Black, Latinx, and native people, as well as communities facing extreme poverty, has both brought to light and exacerbated systemic inequities. This crisis is the latest example of how institutional racism has affected our public health systems and responses.
The challenge we face is to respond today to the calls for racial justice in a way that builds a future in which Black and Brown people are not subjected to unwarranted threats to their lives on a daily basis and have the same opportunities as every other American.
Every action we support through the Idaho Head Start Association is focused on achieving equity and justice for our Head Start children and families. From reducing disparities in birth outcomes, providing opportunities for at risk children to succeed in school and life and empowering low-income families to build skills and achieve self-sufficiency, IHSA is committed to removing social determinants that marginalize communities.
We recognize that this is not enough, that we can do more. We stand in determined solidarity with those who pursue equity, justice, human dignity for all, and an end to racism.
Sincerely,
Bill Foxcroft
Executive Director
Idaho Head Start Association