To My Folks,
https://picclick.com/African-American-Art-Never-Letting-Go-by-Sidney-302291355567.html
This picture was created by Sidney Carter in 1998, the painting is entitled “Never Letting Go.” Carter was known as being a community organizer of sorts and had a heart for both African American history and children in the African American community. In a recent write-up about the artist, it’s noted that focuses his energy on the youth because he understands that their dreams require adult guidance. As both an artist and role model to you, I can only imagine him seeing a child and at the same time seeing how many ways that child’s life can take shape.
“Never Letting Go” can also be interpreted in many ways. However, it’s obvious reference to slavery and the ties that bound slaves is vivid and visceral in its presentation. The use of the flag is also very telling in that this peculiar system called “slavery” is the foundation that America was built upon. If you look at some of the institutional systems that are in place today, you’ll find that they still mirror the system of slavery we’ve grown to abhor. Interestingly enough, the foster care system is one such system.
In many cases, the physical, psychological, emotional, and spiritual scarring that these slaves had to endure, mirrors the same physical, psychological, emotional, and spiritual scaring that our children in foster care carry. Like the slave, children often experience powerlessness over their living conditions. People who they don’t know and might never have met, make decisions about their daily existence. Siblings are separated from one another, and these siblings may never see each other again. Like a slave who was no longer able to work and deemed useless to their owner, foster kids who age out of the system often find themselves left on the side of the road, homeless too.
One of the signers of the Declaration of Independence, Samuel Adams was quoted as saying,
“It does not require a majority to prevail, but rather an irate, tireless minority keen to set brush fires in people’s minds.”
Read that again.
“It does not require a majority to prevail, but rather an irate, tireless minority keen to set brush fires in people’s minds.”
With this post, I’m passing each of you a proverbial match. You have never been to my house. You don’t know where I live, and you have never met any of my family members. However, through my willingness to reveal myself to you through my writing, you may understand my heart and trust the urgency I project when I say, “Get Lit! These children need you.”
Look for ways to intercede and help children in the foster care system, particularly those aging out. Our children should grow to understand that adults in their community have latched on and are never letting go. Be the person who will accompany them, support them, and to the best of your ability protect them as they walk down the path to becoming who they are meant to be.
For ways to get involved please check out the following:
- Court-appointed special advocate (CASA)
Link: nationalcasagal.org
Court-appointed special advocate (CASA) and guardian ad litem (GAL) volunteers (what they’re called varies by location) make a life-changing difference for children who have experienced abuse or neglect.
Each volunteer is appointed by a judge to advocate for a child’s best interest in court. Our volunteers help judges develop a fuller picture of each child’s life. Their advocacy enables judges to make the most well-informed decision for each child.
- Friends of Children
Link: friendsofchildreninc.org/focusFriends of Children’s FOCUS program is a community-based membership program that connects transition-aged youth to resources, peers, and community members with the goal of success and independence. As a volunteer you will work to connect transition-aged youth to resources and also offer coaching as they navigate young adulthood. This program can be long-term, up to three or more years.
- A Sense of Home
Link: asenseofhome.orgA Sense of Home strives to prevent homelessness by creating first-ever homes for youth aging out of foster care with donated furniture and home goods. 50% of those struggling with homelessness are former foster youth. The homeless crisis can only end through prevention.
- I Am Fostering Hope
Link: iamfosteringhope.org/aging-outI am Fostering Hope’s Youth Empowerment and Success (YES) program provides a volunteer mentor for each YES program participant for one year, with the opportunity for the relationship to continue on its own. The youth and their mentors meet in small groups to cover the financial literacy curriculum modules and other topics regarding preparation for adult living.
Much Love,
