Honoring their Life & Legacy… [insert name]

Liberation is love at The Bridge for Youth where all are able to show up as their true and authentic selves without concern for conflict, judgment, or oppression. We believe when one thrives, we all thrive. This is heArt work. We are not performers nor are we exploitative. Rather, we possess and invest in these intrinsic values:

Patience – We give space for youth to make decisions on their own timeline in their own way.
Love and Caring – We believe in acceptance, empathy, and non-judgment.
Communication – We engage in intentional dialogue to understand each other’s truths.
Integrity – We actively learn, grow, and change to align our actions in equity and justice.
Co-Creation – We seek connection to amplify the voice of youth and each other.
Community – We stand together for youth and for each other.

Since the Murder of George Floyd, The Bridge for Youth (re)committed to personal and organizational transformation as we center racial justice and equity in all that we do in fulfilling our vision of “all youth feel safe, accepted and supported”.

So, it comes as no surprise, that on this day of remembrance and reverence that we hold space for youth and staff at The Bridge to heal and be in community and belonging with one another. The Bridge is deeply committed to protecting and celebrating Black Lives – youth, staff, and community – this day and all days. To deeply honor and actively restore the commUnities and heArts that have been systemically attacked, harmed and/or targeted throughout history.

Here’s a glimpse of how we center youth voice, justice, and equity in all we do at The Bridge:

Grow a “liberation is love” organizational culture
Celebrate Black excellence
Prioritize healing activities, circles, and restoration
Contract with consultants in anti-racist trainings
Commit to staff and board representation, identities, and lived expertise that is reflective of youth at The Bridge
Invest in sustainable and highly competitive compensation and benefits
Audit and update human resource practices, policies, and procedures

This week we intentionally honor the many Black lives lost to police brutality in Minnesota. Please take a moment to remember those who have been murdered by police brutality via this Star Tribune article or visiting the “Say Their Names” cemetery located at George Floyd Square. #saytheirnames

Photo Credit: War Miner (@stubbornlovin)

*Since the year 2000, at least 229 people have been killed in encounters with law enforcement in Minnesota; this is a backwards, chronological list from 2023-2012 of Black lives lost to police brutality.