Why We Stand Against Racism
All April, we have been observing Stand Against Racism month. CFCS is dedicated to the principles we’ve stated and commitments we’ve made in our Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Statement. Today, we’re proud to share some of the many reasons our staff choose to stand against racism.
Mary Ann Cronin, Permanency Planning Coordinator: I stand against racism because I can no longer turn a blind eye to the pain inflicted on people of color by whites in this country - both consciously and unconsciously. All white people have the privilege of the color of their skin but often do not see it as privilege. Racism is deep seated and reinforced by the structures of our society - largely political and economic. I heard recently of a young child who identified herself as a racist. That jarred me to the core and highlights what is reflected in a song from an old Rogers and Hammerstein musical, South Pacific: "You've got to be taught to hate and to fear... You've got to be carefully taught."
It is important to have spaces to be vulnerable where we can educate ourselves, learn from others and name the impact racism has.
Noreen Dolan, Deputy Director: I stand against racism because I am frustrated by the lack of progress, commitment and action the United States has made towards diversity, equity and inclusion in the past 156 years, and am scared by the insidious nature of native ism and white superiority thinking. Racism seems to continue to disguise itself at every turn and continue to reappear as ugly as ever. It makes me sad when I hear white Americans who can't acknowledge the privileges they have enjoyed because of the color of their skin, and can't see the systemic racism in this country. I am part of the JEAC because I want to continue to gain knowledge and learn, so that I personally can take steps to further DEI in my own life and community but also help CFCS advance our mission.
Bob Gittens, Executive Director: I stand against racism because I believe that every individual has the right to fully participate in society and to contribute their talents and best selves for the good of all. Racism, sexism, ableism and gender and cultural biases are barriers to everyone’s full participation, to the detriment of all of us. We all benefit when each one of us brings our full and authentic selves to our communities. Racism is one of the most persistent and pernicious barriers we continue to have in our society and need to dismantle. That’s why I stand against racism.
We all benefit when each one of us can bring our full and authentic selves to our communities.
Courtney Gomez, Director of Operations: I stand against racism because the horrific events of the past year have amplified my awareness of the inequities of the United States. From health inequities of the pandemic and unequal pay to the murder of POC by police, we need to do better. It is easy to think that racism and the polarization of America isn’t a Massachusetts problem or is just a subset of people, but that is just not true. We need to recognize that is a sad, ugly part of who we are as a country and it needs to change. I joined the JEAC because I want us to share a commitment to change individually, as an agency and as a country and not only confront racism when something prominent in the news happens, but every day; so that the US is a safe, fair place for all who call it home.
Nanci Lytes, Family Support & Stabilization Program Director: I have many reasons that drive me toward this work. Over this past year, I wanted to take a bigger stand because I feel there has been enough suffering in silence. The painful events and isolation were unbearable for me, and for so many people I care about. I feel we need community to grow, to heal, and to make an impact. It is important to have spaces to be vulnerable where we can educate ourselves, learn from others, name the impact racism has, and to lay out intentional plans to create shifts both individually and as an agency.
We all suffer when we deprive worthy people of dignity and respect.
Sarah Medrano-Palmer, Program Director of Family Services and Intensive Foster Care: I stand against racism because the pain caused by white supremacy is devastating. As our nation awaits a verdict in Derek Chauvin's trial, we find ourselves bearing witness to the killings of two young black people at the hands of police, Daunte Wright and Adam Toledo. Families and communities cannot thrive when they live in fear and they cannot thrive under the weight of so much grief.
Andrew Mello, Putnam Place House Manager: Racism is wrong and makes no sense. What’s the point in hating someone for a reason such as being different? It’s not what we’re here to do, as people. That’s why I stand against racism.
Maggie Smith, Family Support & Stabilization Program Coordinator: I stand against racism because it is wrong and has brought monumental pain and suffering to millions of people. The United States has a dark and terrifying past and present, filled with hatred, inequality, and injustice based on the color of one's skin. Racism needs to be turned into love, embracing diversity, and addressing the hatred, inequality, and injustice that has been a part of this country since the beginning. I joined the JEAC to help spread awareness, continue to build my own awareness, commit to change, and be a part of bringing an end to systemic racism in this country.
Kim Stasny, Director of Clinical Services: I stand against racism because we all suffer (some more than others) when we deprive worthy people of dignity and respect.