Newtown, CT — Sandy Hook Promise stands in solidarity with the Floyd family and all who grieve George Floyd’s murder by Police Officer Derek Chauvin one year ago today. His murder created an inflection point in the movement for racial justice that reverberated around the globe — and within our organization. Our nation was called not only to decry and denounce police violence but also to dismantle racism wherever it lurks — within every system and organization.
Sandy Hook Promise was formed with a heartfelt pledge to turn tragedy into transformation. In response to this tragedy and the countless others like it, we looked within to determine how to strengthen our own anti-racism commitments. We began to evaluate our programs to ensure our content and approach are anti-racist and that all aspects of our work align with equity, diversity, and inclusion principles. We remain steadfast in our commitment to being antiracist.
Every child has a right to be safe wherever they are: at home, school, and in communities. We believe that teaching kids to value inclusivity, speak up against injustice and victimization, and get help for those who need it will help ensure a just future for everyone.
These beliefs are foundational to our violence prevention approach. Together, we can create a society that we aspire to pass down to our children. We must advance this vision in a way that includes, honors, protects, and respects Black, Brown, and all marginalized communities.
Just as we work every day to spare other families the preventable loss that Sandy Hook experienced, we stand in solidarity with George Floyd’s family in the struggle to stop police violence and protect Black and Brown lives.
How You Can Help
You can take action to fight fear and hatred with our commitment to look out for one another and speak up to get help when we see potential violence and injustice. Just like we teach our children to do.
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About Sandy Hook Promise: Sandy Hook Promise (SHP) is a national nonprofit organization with a mission to end school shootings and create a culture change that prevents violence and other harmful acts that hurt children. Through its life-saving, evidence-informed “Know the Signs” prevention programs, SHP educates and empowers youth and adults to recognize, intervene, and get help for individuals who may be socially isolated and/or at risk of hurting themselves or others. Through nonpartisan policy and partnerships, SHP advances gun safety, youth mental health, and violence prevention education at the state and federal levels that protect all children from gun violence in their schools, homes, and communities. SHP is led by several family members whose loved ones were killed in the tragic mass shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary School on December 14, 2012. Learn more at www.sandyhookpromise.org
Media Contact:
Aimee Thunberg, Senior Director, Communications, Sandy Hook Promise | [email protected] | 646-761-5579