The Hurt They Carry

A Call to End Generational Trauma for Black & Brown Children

Every time an unarmed Black person is needlessly killed by police, it hurts all Black people, including and perhaps especially Black children. Every time they see one of these incidents and the system’s subsequent failure to address it equitably, it hurts them again.

What’s more, the stories of George Floyd, Adam Toledo, Breonna Taylor and all the other victims of police brutality cause Black and Brown children to live in continual fear, with no chance to recover in between. The hurt compounds over time, and children carry it in their bodies, hearts and minds. This ongoing harm is generational trauma that holds children back from living the lives they deserve. And it is what our society shows Black and Brown children about how they are valued.

Photo by Boas Opedun

But, as ChildFund, we insist that these children are priceless. Regardless of the outcome of the Chauvin trial, we plead with all Americans to honor the full humanity of every child, to hear and acknowledge where systems fall short for our Black and Brown sisters and brothers, to hear and honor their pain, and to work together toward justice, which is the only way healing can become possible and children of color can be free to fulfill their enormous potential.

Anne Lynam Goddard

President and CEO