National Day of Racial Healing statement

At Alaska Children’s Trust, we are rooted in the unequivocal belief that every child deserves to grow up in a healthy and safe environment. Our mission is to prevent child abuse and neglect for all children, and our work is intrinsically tied to achieving racial equity for the children of Alaska. Racism has a powerful and lasting effect on the lives of children, their families, and their communities. 

Systemic racism has destroyed the lives of Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) for generations. We have witnessed the pipeline that feeds BIPOC youth into foster care and juvenile justice then into the adult criminal system. As a community, the work we do every day should move us towards rebuilding the social, economic, commercial, and governmental policies and practices that have perpetuated racial inequality and maintained rather than prevented child abuse and neglect.

To begin healing from this trauma and creating a safer space for all children to thrive, Alaska Children’s Trust is committed to embedding racial equity into all we do and working to dismantle the legacies of colonialism and racism. We are here to fight for equality, dismantle systems of oppression, and demand action, but we are also here to listen and create a safe and courageous space.

National Day of Racial Healing is an opportunity to have conversations where we face the realities of racism, acknowledge the truths of past wrongs and present consequences, and use tools that facilitate trust and build authentic relationships to bridge the divides created by real and perceived differences. Have a conversation with neighbors, friends, and family about racial healing or view the recorded community conversation we had in partnership with the Alaska Black Caucus here or the nationwide event here. Spark a conversation with your children either by reading a book that affirms the identities and backgrounds of all children or by talking about current issues in the news and how they relate to racism.

Together we can heal and build a community based on equity.

Want to talk to your friends, family, or kids about racial healing? Here's a handy conversation guide to utilize.

This list of illustrated books can help younger children grasp the concepts of unity, kindness, and peace.