Yesterday, one of our Twitter followers asked us, “Do #BlackLivesMatter?”

The answer is, unequivocally, yes.

We know words have power. What we say, how we say it, and to whom—all of it carries weight on a so-called normal day.

But these days, when the world is reeling not only from a global pandemic but also from yet another horrific act of police brutality against a member of the black community, words matter even more.

So, let’s be clear:

ILA is an anti-racist organization that stands for justice and equality.

We aim to embed racial and ethnic equity in everything we do.

We elevate the voices of those struggling to be heard.

And we do it all in service of you, your students, and the field of literacy education.

We are facing an uncertain future, unclear on what schools will look like next year, let alone the next decade.

What is certain is that sweeping systemic changes are required to ensure equity and inclusivity for all.

That’s why we continue to invest in evidence-based approaches to social-emotional learning and trauma-responsive instruction.

We're committed to providing professional learning for educators to guide them in this work. To supporting critical research that will help improve outcomes for every child, everywhere. To influencing educational policy that will disrupt and dismantle systems of oppression in every corner of the world.

Words don’t mean anything without the actions behind them.

What will you do today? How will you be an agent of change?

Let us know how ILA can support your efforts.

Kathy N. Headley
President of the Board

Stephen G. Peters
Vice President of the Board

Bernadette Dwyer
Immediate Past President of the Board

Marcie Craig Post
Executive Director