We at Portland Children’s Museum are outraged at the heartless killing of George Floyd and countless instances of abuse of Black people in a long line of systemic injustice.
We believe that human rights are universal and embrace humanity in all of its diversity. Therefore, Portland Children’s Museum reaffirms its commitment to:
- Amplify action for social justice on behalf of children and their rights to be safe, protected, and educated.
- Work toward an inclusive future in which societal institutions reinforcing systemic racism are replaced by ones that are open and accessible to all.
- Listen with an open heart and mind, with empathy, to families of every race, religion, and cultural background, so that their stories find expression and power.
With humility, we recognize that we exist within a system in which White people and the privileged inherently benefit at the expense of Black lives and people of color. We want to do better.
As an institution, we are in a position to use our platforms to elevate voices of the Black community and help shine a bright light on injustice.
In Solidarity,
Ruth G. Shelly
Executive Director, Portland Children's Museum
Black Lives Matter Resources for Families:
WATCH
Talking to Children About Race: "The worst conversation adults can have with kids about race is no conversation at all. Talking to kids about race needs to happen early, often, and honestly.” — Jemar Tisby
Sesame Street & CNN Town Hall on Racism: If you missed the virtual "Coming Together: Standing Up to Racism" event for families, view it online. “Are the protesters sad?” — Elmo
READ
Talking to Children About George Floyd: Child Mind Institute
Racism & Violence: How to Help Children Handle the News: Child Mind Institute
How to Talk Honestly With Children About Racism: PBS Kids
EQUITY IN OUTDOOR SPACES
The Museum is proud to call beautiful Washington Park home. We join our fellow Explore Washington Park venues in amplifying the voices of these local and national organizations working to create racial equity in natural areas:
Black Voices United (PDX): Creating safe spaces for communities of color to engage in local and national issues that impact their quality of life and the lives of their families.
Camp Elso (PDX): Teaching and framing STEAM and nature based education through a lens that centers and elevates the stories, ways of knowing, individual needs, and lived experiences of Black and Brown communities.
Wild Diversity (PDX): Outdoor Adventures & Education for BIPOC & LGBTQ.
Outdoor Afro: Creating diversity in outdoor education.
The Black Outdoors: Increasing exposure to outdoor recreational activities among people of color.
Soul River Inc.: Connecting inner city youth and US military veterans to the outdoors through transformative outdoor experiences.
BLACK GIRLS RUN!: We provide a community to inspire ALL women, especially Black women, to be healthy & active.
