Colorado PTA stands with our Black communities and families. As always, at the forefront of our efforts is our dedication to every child and especially to being a voice for our families, students, and school communities who do not feel heard. The tragedies of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, and Ahmaud Arbery, among countless others, has magnified that need across the country, and Colorado PTA will push even harder for justice and for creating opportunities to amplify the voices of those impacted by systemic discrimination and racism. We will continue to engage in active listening to hear directly from our Black communities how we can best support them.
The past few months have presented unimaginable challenges and life-changing events for our students, schools and families. Colorado PTA has been actively engaged in supporting and advocating for kids– focusing on health, wellness, and safety; remote learning; adequate and equitable instruction and supports; and the devastating potential cuts to school finance. We need your help: stay involved and engaged with us as we move forward.
Together we are powerful; together we can make a change; together we are PTA.
Nora Brown
Colorado PTA President
ALEXANDRIA, Va., (June 2, 2020)—The following statement can be attributed to National PTA President Leslie Boggs and National PTA Executive Director Nathan R. Monell, CAE:
“National PTA condemns the inequitable and brutal treatment of all African Americans in this country. No human being should be subject to what we saw happen to George Floyd last week. Millions of people are outraged by the killing of another unarmed black man, and like so many Americans, we mourn the recent deaths of Breonna Taylor, Ahmaud Arbery and other African Americans who died, unable to achieve their full potential in life.
“This ongoing problem of unequal justice has led to protests across this country and continues to have a profound effect on African Americans and communities of color, who feel hurt, frustrated, angry and afraid. Our nation must do better, and PTA stands with those who peacefully seek to inspire meaningful change.
“While we understand significant reforms are needed to create lasting change that will end the systemic discrimination and injustices that have existed for far too long, PTA has a rich legacy in coming together to help solve the toughest problems facing our children and families. PTA can help lead the way with our collective voice.
“For over 120 years, PTA has been the conscience of this country, speaking on behalf of our nation’s most valuable and vulnerable resource—our children. This year, as we celebrate the 50th anniversary of the unification of the National Parent Teacher Association and the National Congress of Colored Parents and Teachers, we recognize we are experiencing times that mirror why the unification was necessary. It is imperative that we remain united and supportive during this difficult time.
“Our transcendent goal has always been to change the lives of children for the better and we will continue to ensure our society values and protects every child. We encourage PTA members and all concerned citizens to speak out and demand that every child be afforded the opportunity to make their potential a reality. Together, we can move above and beyond the perceived division of our diverse experiences and build a shared experience—the experience of working together as human beings, intent on building a better nation and world for our children’s future.”