Dear Friends,
Like many of you, we at the Cayton Children’s Museum are struggling to find the right words to say in this time of deep crisis and mourning in our country.
We mourn the killings of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor and Ahmaud Arbery, among countless others whose lives have been taken and are taken every day. We recognize that these deaths are not just individual tragedies, but are the outcome of the systemic oppression of Black people that has pervaded our country since its founding. The violence we are seeing in our streets is painful to witness, but is perhaps an inevitable result when decades of peaceful protests have been silenced and ignored.
As an institution dedicated to guiding children, youth and families to work together toward justice and expanded possibilities in their communities, we have a responsibility to speak up. All children, but especially Black children and other children of color, are traumatized by racism and inequality in our society. And, in times like these, they sense the fear and uncertainty felt by their grownups.
We know it is never too early to start honest, age-appropriate discussions with children about these issues. Our goal is to help you in your efforts to have these difficult but essential conversations.
In the coming weeks, we will be sharing creative resources, projects and activities that can provide comfort, learning and opportunities for action during this time and beyond. Together we can educate and inspire our children and ourselves.
It is our deepest wish that the upheaval and unrest now taking place across the country—and in our very own communities of Santa Monica and Los Angeles—will be a catalyst for real, lasting and meaningful change. Only then can we truly heal.
In the meantime, we wish you and your loved ones safety and peace.
In love, solidarity and action,
Your friends at ShareWell and the Cayton Children’s Museum
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