#BLMatCamp: Black Lives Matter Resources

The Fresh Air Fund supports Black Lives Matter at Summer Camp Day of Action. The Fresh Air Fund affirms that Black Lives Matter. The Fresh Air Fund promises to do our best to, and to continue to learn how to, be a part of the work to eliminate structural racism and white supremacy in all of the spaces of our camp and the rest of our lives.

We are deeply committed that our children know that The Fresh Air Fund believes that they matter, that their lives matter, and that The Fresh Air Fund stands in solidarity against injustice and racism. We are working to support our children and staff and are providing safe spaces for discussion and expression. 

Below are links to resources and information on how to support the Black Lives Matter Movement.

Talking to Children about Race

• PBS Kids: Resources from PBS KIDS on how to talk to children about race and racism including videos and how to use art and storytime as learning tools.
• Sesame Street: A 60-minute special “Coming Together: Standing Up to Racism. A CNN/Sesame Street Town Hall for Kids and Families” originally aired on Saturday, June 6, at 10 a.m. ET.
• Center for Racial Justice in Education: The organization trains and empowers educators to dismantle patterns of racism and injustice in schools and communities and shares resources for speaking with kids.
• Here’s How W. Kamau Bell Talks About Race With His Kids: Comedian and host of Emmy Award-winning CNN Original Series, “United Shades of America,” shares his experience and book recommendations to start conversations. 
• Table Talk: Family Conversations About Current Events by ADL: Guidance from the Anti-Defamation League on ways for families to have conversations with children, 11 and older, about race and systemic racism.

Getting Involved

• March4BlackLives: An organization that seeks to reach, mobilize and organize to make Black political power a force able to influence national and local agendas in the direction of a shared Vision for Black Lives.
• Color of Change: A racial justice organization which works to end practices that unfairly hold Black people back. Their newsletter includes steps for online actions you can take and information about in-person events you can join to stand up for racial justice.  

Mental Health Resources

• Black Mental Health Alliance: This organization works to develop, promote and sponsor trusted culturally-relevant educational forums, trainings and referral services that support the health and well-being of Black people and other vulnerable communities.

Petitions to Demand Justice

• Change.org – Justice for George Floyd
• Change.org – Justice for Breonna Taylor

Education

• NAACP Legal Defense Fund: A nonprofit legal organization dedicated to achieving racial justice, equality, and an inclusive society. Their website provides educational resources, information on seeking legal counsel and news about current events. 

“When we can’t find the words, we need to try harder and we need to listen. And I, on behalf of The Fresh Air Fund, am stating unequivocally that Black Lives Matter and that The Fresh Air Fund does not, and will not, tolerate racism, hate and inequity. Through this moment of pain we will continue to lift and work in our purpose,” said Executive Director, Fatima Shama.

Check out Black Lives Matter at Summer Camp for more resources and visit our Resource Page for additional information on health and education.