Dear BCC Community,
"We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all [people] are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness."
This past weekend in Charlottesville, Virginia, we witnessed the violence and hatred that often accompanies intolerance and bigotry. The events in Charlottesville have reminded us that the work of BCC is more important than ever. Here at home, the New England Holocaust Memorial in downtown Boston was desecrated in an act of vandalism by a 17-year-old young man. The damage to Boston's own Holocaust Memorial has shown that work to combat bigotry in all its forms is reaching critical mass.
Our founder, Hubie Jones, believed in the power of music to bring together youth of all different backgrounds. He believed in a place that celebrates the kaleidoscope of similarities and differences that make the people who live in the Boston area unique and special. No one is born hating another person because of the color of their skin, or their sexual orientation, or their ethnic or religious background. Prejudice and racism are learned. As we have learned at the Boston Children's Chorus, through welcoming all voices, actively listening to different viewpoints, and reflecting on ideas and discussions, we can take great steps toward creating an equitable and just society.
Boston Children's Chorus is committed to being a safe and supportive environment for all and we will continue to work toward social justice. We believe that the making of art and the shared experience of music are powerful vehicles to celebrate our common humanity and to create dialogue around difficult issues facing us today. Hate has no place here. In our rehearsals and in our concerts, we celebrate the power of listening and we seek to engage the hearts and minds of all. We teach one another to live with compassion, and appreciate new understandings of how we might find common ground.
As we explore Our Roots and our 15-year history this season, we hope that we can find common ground together, and work toward justice for all.
Thank you for being an important member of our community.
Sincerely,
Boston Children's Chorus
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RESOURCES
We strive to support our families and help children and youth recognize injustice and embrace differences. Whether you're 6 years old or 60 years old, there are many ways to combat injustice and hate and work toward a more just world. For one person, it may be standing up for something they believe in through protest. For another, it may be participating in a conversation on a difficult topic, as we often do here at BCC.
Below are several resources that may help guide conversation and action.
Ten Ways to Fight Hate
How to Talk to Your Kids About Charlottesville
Knowing Our History to Build a Brighter Future
Children's Books That Show Kids the Goodness in the World
Do you have other resources you'd like to share with the community? We would love to hear your thoughts.
