Message from CII's President & CEO

Dear Friends of CII,

I am outraged by the brutal murder of yet another African American person in this country.

George Floyd. Breonna Taylor. Ahmaud Arbery. Sandra Bland. Walter Scott. Philando Castile. Michael Brown Jr. Freddie Gray. Tamir Rice. Trayvon Martin. Eric Garner. Countless others. Their lives matter.

I can’t imagine the emotions of our African American colleagues and families we are proud to work alongside and serve every day. My heart is with you, and CII stands in solidarity with you.

Tens of thousands of people of all races, religions, gender identities, political beliefs and socio-economic status have taken to the streets to express their righteous indignation and voice an urgent need for real and lasting societal change.

What kind of change?

Safety.  African Americans and other people of color must feel safe, without fear of being shot and killed for walking down the street, or listening to music, or driving a car.

Access. All communities, regardless of zip code, deserve the highest quality healthcare, housing and education.

Hope. We want children to envision a future without oppression and racism.

As an organization that works with children, families and communities who have experienced the greatest injustices, we know that trauma adversely impacts their health and wellbeing. We must address structural racism in order for children and communities of color to reach their full potential.

As Kareem Abdul-Jabbar wrote in the Los Angeles Times this week:

“Racism in America is like dust in the air. It seems invisible — even if you’re choking on it — until you let the sun in. Then you see it’s everywhere. As long as we keep shining that light, we have a chance of cleaning it wherever it lands. But we have to stay vigilant, because it’s always still in the air.”

CII stands with the family of George Floyd and all victims of racism, excessive force, bigotry and systemic inequity and we will continue fighting for justice and a brighter future for our kids.

With my warmest regards,

Martine Singer
President & CEO