Many of us started 2021 with a lot of hope that it would be different from 2020. Within a week, however, we witnessed shameful acts of violence against democracy and blatant displays of racism, hatred, white supremacy, and anti-Semitism at the U.S. Capitol and around the country. We watched white rioters engaged in insurrection meet with very little police resistance, in stark contrast to what peaceful protesters for Black Lives had experienced throughout 2020 and for centuries before.

For many People of Color, the scenes in Washington, D.C. were terrifying, yet unsurprising.

For many others, they were finally enough evidence of the injustice embedded in our politics and policing that silence was no longer an option.

At PEPS, we want to acknowledge and send support, love, and connection to those in our community who live under the greatest threat from the inequitable systems and history of our country, especially Black, Brown, Indigenous, People of Color, LGBTQIA+ families, Immigrant communities, and folks with disabilities.

As an organization actively working towards a vision of resilient families, connected communities, and equitable outcomes, we believe we have an opportunity to create generational change by starting with the parents who influence the children they raise.

As parents, we all have a responsibility to talk about racism with our children — early and often. We are here to support you in raising children who are anti-racist. Join us for a virtual workshop on Undoing Racism and Teaching Equity to Our Children, presented by Families of Color Seattle (FOCS) on February 1, 2021. We will be exploring ways to talk with children about racial identity, racism and equity.

In the meantime, visit our anti-racist resources for parents and caregivers for helpful resources for learning, unlearning, and talking with children about race.

Please share with us your thoughts, concerns, and ideas about how you navigate the current times. We’d love to hear from you, and we want to learn and grow with you in 2021 to create a better future for all of us and, most importantly, for our children.

In community,
Your team at PEPS