Dancing with Class sees, hears, and stands with the Black community, and is outraged by the murder of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Tony McDade, Ahmaud Arbery, and so many others before them. We recognize the importance of protest as a catalyst for change in bringing an end to systemic racism. We support all those working for justice and an end to racism and violence against the Black community in the United States and around the world.  

As an organization working with youth to foster inclusion, respect and social awareness though dance, we know it is incumbent upon us to listen, learn, and constantly strive to do better. As we focus on adapting to a rapidly changing world in the midst of COVID-19, we are committed to putting anti-racist principles and culturally responsive pedagogy at the center of this work.

We also recognize that  this is an ongoing movement to overcome centuries of insidious practices, which demands actively combating racism and speaking out against injustice. Beyond looking inward as to how our organization can deepen its commitment to operating as an anti-racist organization, we also are calling upon our team and community to commit to taking personal action. The resources below reflect some of what we are focusing on. We share them here in case they are helpful to others as well.

Organizations to Support

We are encouraging our community and committing ourselves to support Black-led organizations working on the front lines of the fight for racial justice in Chicago and beyond.

• Black Lives Matter Chicago
• Assata’s Daughters
• Chicago Alliance Against Racial and Political Repression
• BYP100 (Black Youth Project)
• SOUL in Chicago
• Brave Space Alliance
• Dream Defenders

Education Resources

• Black Lives Matter: Goals & Resources for Taking Action 
• How to talk to kids about racism: An age-by-age guide
• Talking with Children About Racism, Police Brutality and Protests
• 31 Children’s books to support conversations on race, racism, and resistance
• A White Family’s Guide to Talking About Racism
• A POC Family’s Guide to Talking About Racism
• Anti-Racism Resources  (articles, books, videos, podcasts, film and television series, to help White people and parents to deepen anti-racism work)

Wellness Resources

• 44 Mental Health Resources for Black People
• Artist Relief Wellness Videos

#blacklivesmatter
#equalrightsarehumanrights