“We want to see a world where Black lives matter in order for us to get to a world where all of our humanity is respected.”
– Alicia Garza, Principal of the Black Futures Lab
Dear OppNet community:
Since its beginning, America has been known as the land of opportunity.
But we have fallen short of that foundational ideal. For Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC), access to opportunity has never been universal. The overt abominations of the pre-Civil Rights era created a subversive system of repression that we have allowed to fester, and even worse, that we have allowed to become cultural.
The Opportunity Network was founded in part in recognition of this harmful reality and continues to work to challenge the historical oppression and racism that make our work necessary in the first place.
And while we are proud of the work we have done and continue to do, this is a watershed moment we will not allow to pass without our active involvement.
In closing, a word to our current and alumni OppNet Fellows: Stay encouraged and active. Structural, enduring change is often led by our youth. You are the future of this country. The foundational ideal of America as a land of opportunity is yours to inherit. Nothing makes us prouder than to watch all you will achieve. Know that we stand next to you and always will.
Your fight, is our fight.
Cosigned by: OppNet Associate Board of Directors
