Summer Search Philadelphia: A Virtual Charrette
Our 2020 Virtual Event centers around the central question: How do we create an inclusive and innovative community?
Summer Search: Championing for Justice + Equity Initiative
(closing remarks)
Thank you to all participants today.
As you have heard from our speakers, COVID 19 has changed how we communicate, live, work, care and learn in the US. COVID-19 opened our eyes to see health care disparities, unprecedented unemployment, hunger, and the rise of homelessness, and how disproportionately affects Black and Brown people as well as the poor and elderly persons. We know that no one is immune from this deadly disease - COVID-19.
Further, the late George Floyd’s death in May spurred massive civil protests, of the kind never seen before – with all ages - teens, young adults, middle aged and beyond - and all backgrounds - Blacks, Whites, Native Americans, Asians, & LatinX, calling for Change. Despite COVID-19, many marched, many prayed, many cried, many remembered this tragic loss and vowed no more. No Justice, No Peace. Black lives matter. Black Lives Matter.
Many are asking: What can I do? What should I do? What must I do?
In response, Summer Search designed a Black Lives Matter community series which supported our students, staff, friends, colleagues.
Our first session, the Community Healing Vigil, filled our hearts with hope. Our second session focused on education attracted experts who provided us with critical answers to poignant questions. The third session offered ideas and strategies from the fields of education, business, corporate philanthropy and psychology on how to move forward towards a just and equitable society.
We realized that cannot stop here.
Reflecting on our 30 years of experience mentoring young people of color and first-generation college students, we recognize an ongoing obligation for Summer Search to support our community in navigating through deeper conversations racial justice. I invite you to share in our vision by joining our Championing for Justice + Equity. It is a two-pronged approach.
First. A Personal Plan of Action
How will you work towards your personal goals in response to what you have heard today? We hope to gather your thoughts and activities and create a collage of action that will serve as the centerpiece of personal commitments over the next 12 to 18 months. So, please feel free to connect with me on how you can move forward on your goals.
Second. We are committed to working with stakeholders within Summer Search, including our alums, and experts from around the country -- artists, singers, scholars, athletes, designers, idealist, entrepreneurs and storytellers, to further describe what actions we can take to continue our communal growth and development.
The Summer Search: Championing for Justice + Equity Initiative will allow participants to have space in which to network with likeminded individuals, educational organizations, and companies and to ways in which we can assist our next generation to thrive.
To build the foundation of this work, we need support from individuals, major corporations, and foundations whose underwriting interests align with this initiative. We extend an invitation to you to join us in securing the financial resources that we will need to carry forth this important work.
In closing, the late South African President Nelson Mandela wrote in his book, Long Walk to Freedom: “No one is born hating another person because of the color of his skin, or his background, or his religion. People must learn to hate, and if they can learn to hate, they can be taught to love, for love comes more naturally to the human heart than its opposite.”
All of you inspire all of us. On behalf of my colleagues at Summer Search, we thank you. Let’s continue to work closely together and let’s always stand for Justice and for Equity for all of us today and for the generations to come. Rest in Peace, Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg.
Thank you for joining our first Virtual Charrette and to Summer Search staff, our donors and our contractors.
Good Bye. Have a great day.