To our Breakthrough Houston family,
We are living through a difficult and profoundly disturbing time in our country. Like you, I am grappling with the horror of recent events. I struggle to comprehend how, still now, so many Black lives – George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Ahmaud Arbery – are senselessly lost through sanctioned violence.
Every day at Breakthrough Houston we witness the results of systemic inequities – inequities that reduce opportunities and impact the futures of our students. Combating these inequities through education is the bedrock of Breakthrough Houston’s mission.
Our vision remains at the forefront of our work to ensure that all children have equitable access to quality education and teachers who are committed to their success. Every child deserves the opportunity to succeed.
We reach out now to our students and supporters to let you know that we are listening. We want to hear your questions and share your concerns. Throughout these unsettling times, we will be here for you, providing renowned educational programs for our students and pre-professional training for our student teachers.
These times bring us fresh resolve to address longstanding inequities through new programming, extensive holistic support and a deeper focus on systematic change. Beginning with our Summer Program next month, Breakthrough Houston will implement programs that will:
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Help our high school and college students navigate racial violence, process trauma, and channel energies and frustrations into positive action. In a newly created webinar, BTH will address these issues while engaging experts in the field, including mental health professionals and diversity and inclusion leaders.
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Promote and emphasize the importance of voting to our students, to their parents, and to our extended BTH community.
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Expand our current Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging (DEIB) initiatives, adding additional training for staff, board, and constituents.
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Continuously update our website with resources to help you support and advance racial equality.
I leave you with this quote from the late Senator Barbara Jordan: “We have a positive vision of the future founded on the belief that the gap between the promise and reality of America can one day be finally closed.”
Know that you are a cherished member of our Breakthrough Houston community.
In partnership and gratitude,
Kathy Heinzerling
For more resources on how you can get involved and be part of the solution click here.