Tandem, Partners in Early Learning holds a vision of an equitable society where all children enter school ready to succeed. This means nothing without unequivocally affirming that Black Lives Matter and actively and urgently working towards a world in which this is true. As an early childhood education nonprofit working alongside communities of color, we must work to end systemic racism, especially the social and economic structures that negatively impact Black children and their families. 

Tandem’s staff and Board of Directors are angered and saddened by the recent atrocities which represent an all-too-pernicious reality that places the lives of Black children and communities at risk. This moment represents a long-needed reckoning in our country. As James Baldwin points out, “nothing can be changed until it is faced,” and it is upon us all to identify how we can make changes in our own hearts, homes, communities, and systems. 

Tandem has a role to play in making a more just world—a world in which racism is not tolerated—and we pledge to: 

• Promote culturally-sensitive high quality early learning experiences for all families
• Adopt a posture of learning and humility, as we continue to listen to, learn from, and work with Black communities
• Maintain and improve the diversity of our book collection, amplifying the voices of Black authors and mindfully including books that celebrate Black children and families
• Share resources and tools for educators and families to assess their own biases and teach the children in their care to stand up for themselves and others through anti-racist practices
• Continue to partner with organizations that work alongside Black communities, especially organizations with Black leaders
• Strengthen relationships with policymakers and government partners to more actively advocate for policy and other structural changes that promote educational equity 
• Evaluate our own internal practices for implicit bias and work to expand the diversity of our staff and Board

Tandem is honored to partner with a number of non-profit organizations that serve Black communities, and are led by Black leaders, such as Alameda Fatherhood Initiative, Alameda Father’s Corps, BANANAS, BMAGIC, Children’s Council of San Francisco, Children’s Fairyland, 4Cs of Alameda County, CocoKids, Felton Institute, Oakland Housing Authority, Roots Community Health Center, Safe Return Project, West Contra Costa Public Education Fund, and YMCA Bayview Family Resource Center among others. While this is not a comprehensive list, we encourage you to engage with and directly support these organizations and the many others that work tirelessly to make our community safer for Black children and families.

Black Lives Matter. 

—The Staff and Board of Directors, Tandem, Partners in Early Learning