Responding to Racial Violence in the Community

We enter July with a spirit of gratitude. Thank you to everyone who has shown up and reached out these past few weeks, offering your time, energy, and support. We have seen so many come together and join in presence and community. We appreciate each and every effort that has been made to show care and support to this sixth grade student, harmed by racial violence while on a school field trip.

It’s important that we have safe spaces where we can talk about these issues, and that we can do so in a way that respects and uplifts those at the center of this harm. We can’t fight racism and anti-Blackness if we don’t acknowledge it as a real, pervasive reality in our community, and if we aren’t willing to hear and speak the truth. Our efforts must be interconnected, sustainable, and grounded in love. This is a movement that needs everyone.

We have heard from children, caregivers, educators, administrators, and other community members that current efforts to combat and end racial violence in Whatcom County are not enough. In Bellingham, the District's Bellingham Promise states that schools will "collectively commit that our students are cared for and respected." However, some parents question what this looks like in practice, and whether it is a reality for all students.

Children deserve to feel safe in their communities and schools. The violence that impacted this student also impacts the children who witnessed the incident, families of color who heard this news worried for their children’s safety, and the wider community. Children who experience and witness violence deserve care, access to mental health support, and the resources they need to heal. What is the mental, emotional, and financial burden of families impacted by racial violence? Can our community step in and care for our kids in a way that is equitable, accessible, meaningful, and sustainable? 

These are some of the questions we will be exploring at our next action team meeting on Thursday, July 11th. Please come to learn about how you can be a part of these efforts and to connect with other families and educators who want to take action against violence.

In love and solidarity,

Whatcom CARE