Rise acknowledges the pain and grief that black people are experiencing right now and stands in solidarity with the black community.
Black people have tried every possible way to protect themselves and their loved ones from violent systems. Yet, the response to people pained by generations of systemic violence has been continued police violence. Police murder and brutalize nonviolent black people with their hands up. Similarly, we come to the child welfare system with our hands up, and still our babies are snatched away.
Rise recognizes the intersectionality of harm and the impact of oppressive systems on children, families and communities. Our work at Rise is led by parents impacted by the child welfare system, systemic racism and inequity. We fear for the lives of our children and children fear for their parents. Our communities feel overwhelmed, hypervigilant, drained, angry, trapped and abused.
We must dismantle white supremacist systems that harm black people, families and communities. Child welfare and criminal justice are intertwined, punitive systems linked to slavery that are weaponized and terrorize, criminalize and devalue black lives.
Other approaches, visions and possibilities exist. Healing is a part of justice. Rise stands with all those working to heal, invest in communities and grow a safe and strong society led by the wisdom of parents, families and communities most impacted by oppression.
Resources for Healing and Action
Black Lives Matter Resources: Healing Action Toolkit and Healing in Action: A Toolkit for Black Lives Matter Healing Justice and Direct Action
Healing Justice Toolkit: Dignity and Power Now! Healing Justice Responders
Resources for Talking about Race, Racism and Racialized Violence with Kids by Center for Racial Justice in Education
Illustrated Guide to Surviving Police Violence by The Chicago Torture Justice Center
Grief is a direct impact of racism: Eight ways to support yourself by Roberta K. Timothy
Third Root Community Health Center: Upcoming Workshops
– Brown Sugar Yoga for Folks of Color: Heart Medicine Practice (6/6) — Sliding scale, no one turned away for lack of funds
– Meditation for Queer & Trans People of Color (6/7) — Donation based
Organizations to support / donate to:
Trans Women of Color Collective
Emergent Strategy Ideation Institute
Resources for exploring privilege and identity:
Racial Equity and Liberation Virtual Learning Series
The People’s Institute for Survival and Beyond (PISAB), Undoing Racism Workshops
Thank you Momentum Education for the list of organizations to support and resources for exploring privilege and identity.