In this time of heartbreak, uncertainty and anguish, the Miss Kendra Program stands in solidarity with the social justice movement taking place throughout the United States and around the world.
The recent deaths of George Floyd, Ahmaud Arbery and Breonna Taylor and so many others have revealed the systemic racism within our justice system. These deaths, on top of the recent traumatic events surrounding the COVID-19 crisis, highlight that now more than ever we need to create safe and productive conversations within and across our communities. We have much more work to do.
As the Miss Kendra Programs advances the national movement of treating trauma as a public health crisis rather than a mental health one, we recognize that racism is a contributing factor to trauma for too many children day after day, year after year. This is a cycle that needs to end, and through the Miss Kendra Programs we can help children to share and gain language and to have a balanced approach to conversations about race, religion and gender.
It is important to speak to our children about issues around social justice, but it is even more important that we listen to their concerns about the real things happening in their lives. Asking and listening with respect have always been the hallmark of Miss Kendra Programs.
As our society confronts these difficult issues, the Miss Kendra team stands with our teachers and students across the country ready to help each other heal, and contribute to society in a positive and constructive way on the topic of racism and injustice even for the youngest members of our society.
