Sewall Child Development Center is committed to providing inclusive, joyful learning environments that use the power of partnerships, diversity and belonging to enrich the social and academic growth for every child and family.
Sewall’s mission and values are at work every day in the interactions with children and families, the staff we hire and the communities we serve. As we have seen and experienced, the world we live in does not reflect these same values.
The tragic deaths of Ahmaud Arbery, Breonna Taylor, and George Floyd are reprehensible and inexcusable. As a community, we are outraged at their needless, horrific murders. We grieve for their families’ loss and the loss felt by their communities. These deaths, and on the on-going systemic racism and inequities in our health care and education systems, effect our work in communities around Denver in powerful ways. People in our communities are protesting these senseless deaths and so much more–the systemic and historical inequities for people of color. We are living in a time where these truths are evident every day, especially with the COVID-19 pandemic disproportionately impacting people of color with higher rates of infection and death. As white people, we have not had to endure or fear the violent injustices at the root of this tragedy. However, as the CEO and Board Chair of Sewall, the most inclusive early childhood service provider in Denver, we are committed to help facilitate this anger and trauma during these times into meaningful anti-racist change in and beyond our classrooms.
We cannot help but think about the experiences of our children, families and staff who are black, in particular, and the perpetual injustices and indignities many of them have endured simply because of the color of their skin. We want you to know that the entire Sewall family stands with you against racial injustice and violence. Sewall is a diverse community that is passionately committed to social justice. Together, we must work to model the compassionate and inclusive society we can envision. This requires respectful and meaningful dialogue that includes the interrogation of our own deep-seated racism.
As you do, we take pride in the mission of Sewall and the possibilities that are created through inclusive early childhood environments that integrate deeply family participation and community belonging. Through these thoughtful interactions, children are observing and participating to know that every child of every race, income bracket and with all abilities are welcome, valued and cherished. We know that we are doing our part to change the future for our children. However, recent events remind us all too strongly that is NOT ENOUGH!
Our work extends beyond the classroom. It’s speaking up when we see racism. It’s advocating for changes in laws and policies that ignore these institutional barriers. It’s making others listen when they want to walk away. We need to listen to the truth being spoken. We do not yet live in a world where everyone is treated equally. We do not yet live in a world where the color of your skin doesn’t limit your destiny. We do not live in a world where people of all abilities are welcomed and appreciated. Together we need to create the world where we want to live.
As a Sewall community, we will be creating regular avenues to discuss the impact we can make beyond the classroom. We will be holding ‘Virtual Cafes’ of small groups of staff, families and community members to discuss the issues and the steps beyond our walls. If you are interested in participating, please email Heidi at hheissenbuttel@sewallchild.org and we will make sure that you are included. We will also send out a list of resources for those who want to further educate themselves.
While we understand that trite quotes might be overused right now, we are reminded of this one:
“Peace comes from being able to contribute the best that we have, and that we are, toward creating a world that supports everyone. But it is also securing the space for others to contribute the best that they have and all that they are.” -Hafsat Abiola
Stay safe and vocal!
Heidi Heissenbuttel, President & CEO
Steven Holloway, Board Chairman