To our Beloved Camp Blodgett Family,
We are reaching out to you this week, not to talk about the unfortunate loss of a summer of camp due to Covid-19, but something far more critical – the loss of black lives. As a white woman and black man leading Camp Blodgett, we know that what our nation is facing right now impacts you differently based on the color of your skin. It is our social responsibility to advance racial justice.
At Camp Blodgett, we have celebrated the wonder of bringing a group of racially diverse strangers to camp each summer, who forge friendships they otherwise would not have found. Knowing we cannot gather as an overnight camp community in 2020 is heartbreaking, but that does not mean we cannot unite as one.
To the families of color we serve – we see you. It is unacceptable that your children live in a world where they fear going for a run, driving to work or playing with a toy gun could have them killed. This reality causes fear, anger and rage and deserves deep understanding, collaboration, kindness and love. It is years of structural and institutional racism and it is disgusting that we have not done more.
To the white families we serve – we need you. This fight cannot and should not fall to the feet of the communities being harmed. It is our responsibility to use our privilege to speak up and take action to advance racial equity. For some of you, this is a new battle, for others, you know why we must use our voices to elevate those who are being oppressed.
As our Camp Blodgett campers experience our virtual programming this summer, you will also see us bringing more challenging content online – designed for your personal learning and intended to spark conversations at home. Most of this content will focus on continued learning on racial justice and allyship.
The horror of racism is woven deeply into the fabric of this country, so we know we will not solve this in one week or with a series of resources. BUT, ignoring it or throwing our hands up on the air and pretending it is not our problem is not acceptable. Our camper’s lives are literally at risk and we will not tolerate ‘nothing’ as a potential solution.
As we work with our staff and board to design future programming to focus on this topic, we welcome your suggestions and resources. Please see below a list of resources that may be helpful to you and your family.
For the kids,
Lucy Dyer Joswick Quincy Williams
Executive Director Board Chair
WEB RESOURCES
How to Talk to Your Kids About Race: Resources & Books
Your Kids are Not Too Young to Talk About Race
Anti-Racism Project
History of Policing & Racism: 100 Year Hoodie
Race Forward: Advancing Racial Equity
White Women’s Guide to Helping
Showing up for Racial Justice: Resources
LOCAL COMMUNITY RESOURCES
Urban Core Collective: Six Grand Rapids organizations focused on systemic racism
Urban League of West Michigan
Woodrick Center for Equity & Inclusion
We are reaching out to you this week, not to talk about the unfortunate loss of a summer of camp due to Covid-19, but something far more critical – the loss of black lives. As a white woman and black man leading Camp Blodgett, we know that what our nation is facing right now impacts you differently based on the color of your skin. It is our social responsibility to advance racial justice.
At Camp Blodgett, we have celebrated the wonder of bringing a group of racially diverse strangers to camp each summer, who forge friendships they otherwise would not have found. Knowing we cannot gather as an overnight camp community in 2020 is heartbreaking, but that does not mean we cannot unite as one.
To the families of color we serve – we see you. It is unacceptable that your children live in a world where they fear going for a run, driving to work or playing with a toy gun could have them killed. This reality causes fear, anger and rage and deserves deep understanding, collaboration, kindness and love. It is years of structural and institutional racism and it is disgusting that we have not done more.
To the white families we serve – we need you. This fight cannot and should not fall to the feet of the communities being harmed. It is our responsibility to use our privilege to speak up and take action to advance racial equity. For some of you, this is a new battle, for others, you know why we must use our voices to elevate those who are being oppressed.
As our Camp Blodgett campers experience our virtual programming this summer, you will also see us bringing more challenging content online – designed for your personal learning and intended to spark conversations at home. Most of this content will focus on continued learning on racial justice and allyship.
The horror of racism is woven deeply into the fabric of this country, so we know we will not solve this in one week or with a series of resources. BUT, ignoring it or throwing our hands up on the air and pretending it is not our problem is not acceptable. Our camper’s lives are literally at risk and we will not tolerate ‘nothing’ as a potential solution.
As we work with our staff and board to design future programming to focus on this topic, we welcome your suggestions and resources. Please see below a list of resources that may be helpful to you and your family.
For the kids,
Lucy Dyer Joswick Quincy Williams
Executive Director Board Chair
WEB RESOURCES
How to Talk to Your Kids About Race: Resources & Books
Your Kids are Not Too Young to Talk About Race
Anti-Racism Project
History of Policing & Racism: 100 Year Hoodie
Race Forward: Advancing Racial Equity
White Women’s Guide to Helping
Showing up for Racial Justice: Resources
LOCAL COMMUNITY RESOURCES
Urban Core Collective: Six Grand Rapids organizations focused on systemic racism
Urban League of West Michigan
Woodrick Center for Equity & Inclusion