What About the Children?

Years ago I heard the phrase “Nothing about us without us.” This slogan is often used in advocacy circles in support of the idea that the work being done must include the input of those impacted by the work. It has become part of the way I assess whatever work I undertake.

Lately, I have become increasingly concerned about how to hear the voices and concerns of children, youth and young adults in anti-racism work. That concern motivated me to attend the Children’s Defense Fund’s Samuel DeWitt Proctor Institute for Child Advocacy Ministry, which was held at Haley Farm in Clinton, Tennessee, July 17-20, 2023.

It was my desire to make some connections with people who were working with younger generations and find or create opportunities to learn from them as we work to end racism.

I have had many conversations with young adults who are tired of and/or overwhelmed by conversations about racism. I believe it is important to seek out those who are doing the work in various ways, to hear their stories and to share in listening and learning together across generations.

I was encouraged on so many levels by the experience at the Institute. The Institute celebrated the life and work of the late Rev. Dr. Prathia Hall who was a womanist, theologian, ethicist, civil rights advocate. Early in her life, Hall was an organizer with the Student Non-Violent Coordinating Committee and served as the co-chair of the Black Church Initiative of the Black Community Crusade for Children.

It was encouraging to hear from intergenerational voices in almost every session. The last workshop I attended was entitled “Young, Active and Faithful: The Justice Movements of Ordinary, Everyday Leaders.” The session explored unacknowledged leaders of social change movements and pointed fingers back to each participant. We were challenged to collectively imagine how we might support and amplify the work of “unlikely radicals” and leaders. Sometimes we only need to look in the mirror and see who God has called and gifted to be an agent of change.

What about the children? History reminds us that many of our movements were led by young people. Their leadership is needed in the present and future as well.

Who are the young people in your circle? Let’s invite them to become thought partners and build new relationships with us as we continue to find ways to overcome racism.

“...in our work and in our lives we will either stand for children and stand with children or we will have no place in the realm of God.”

~ Rev. Dr. Prathia Hall in “Whosoever Welcomes This Child,” sermon at 1998 Children’s Defense Fund’s Samuel DeWitt Proctor Institute for Child Advocacy Ministry