Black Lives Matter: A Message from Youth Business Alliance

June 19, 2020

To our community of partners, supporters, teachers, students and volunteers,

As the school year comes to a close, we would like to thank you all for your partnership with Youth Business Alliance (YBA). 

As we pause to celebrate our 2020 graduates, we are, at the same time, facing a deeply challenging time for our country. First, we have suffered thousands of lives lost due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and have witnessed the disproportionate negative health and economic impacts on communities of color. Then, we have faced the stark reminder that it is the responsibility of our entire community to address the oppression and violence of racism in its many manifestations. 

We recognize the evidence of systemic racism in every aspect of our society: policing, incarceration, education, healthcare, housing, economic security, employment, wealth, capital, and the psychological trauma of these generations-old discriminatory practices.

YBA stands in solidarity with all who demand justice for those named and unnamed who suffer the effects of racism. Black Lives Matter. YBA pledges to continue to support the fight against racial injustice. 

The question has been asked, “Is YBA a social justice organization?”

Yes. 

Social justice is justice in terms of the distribution of wealth, opportunities, and privileges within a society. At YBA, we are committed to creating opportunities for youth of color in low-income neighborhoods. For example, in 2019-2020, YBA students were 87% Latino, 10% Asian and 3% Black, and an estimated 93% received free or reduced price lunch. 

We are committed to:

1. Expanding our program to serve more youth in low-income communities, 
2. Increasing education in business, careers, entrepreneurship and personal finance, and 
3. Supporting students to develop the soft skills needed to successfully pursue their careers.

What YBA will do to contribute to the efforts moving forward:

1. Host a facilitated dialogue for our YBA leadership and community to ensure our members are educated on the impact of racism on the black community, unconscious and racial bias, and ongoing tools to eradicate racism in America. Watch lists created by Time Magazine and Netflix and resource guides on sites like Medium and National Museum of African American History & Culture can provide self-guided education on anti-racism. 
2. Incorporate curriculum into the program that introduces students to black leaders in business and the practices and effects of the economic suppression of black communities.
3. Strengthen our outreach efforts to high schools where significant numbers of African American students are enrolled, and waive program fees where necessary to launch partnerships.
4. Continue to diversify our guest speaker base and recruit more volunteers of color.
5. Engage in dialogue with our community partners on how we can collectively work together on ongoing initiatives.

To our partners, students, teachers and supporters in the Black community, YBA stands with you in the struggle and pain. We are here for the journey ahead, with a vision that one day our work will no longer be necessary, and that every young person will have a wealth of knowledge and access to opportunities in a world that allows them a secure and peaceful existence. 

This is just the beginning. We want to hear from you. Please share your thoughts with YBA on how together we can address racism in our community, by clicking here.

Join the conversation. Please RSVP here for our first dialogue on how the YBA community can support the fight to end racism.

In Gratitude,

The YBA Board of Directors and Staff