Message from the President

To the builders, the visionaries and the agents of change:

A generation ago, our parents stood up and said, “No More.” They said no more Jim Crow; no more gender inequality; no more war. It cost some of them dearly to speak out, but they did anyway. We are the living legacy of their sacrifice. Now it’s time for us to make the same sacrifice for our children.

To the school leaders, the government leaders, the business leaders and the faith leaders:

It’s no longer possible to sit back and watch poverty, crime, and lack of educational opportunity destroy our children’s potential. Securing their future is not an act of charity—it is an investment. This is about creating economic, political and social capital for a future that we can all look forward to.

To the parents, the single-moms, the absent fathers, the surrogates and the fosters:

Children are a gift. A child needs a mother and a father to parent them with love, understanding, commitment, resources and consistency. You will make mistakes– we all do. But, the worst mistake you can make is to not be there for your children.

To the cheerleaders, the outcasts, the jocks, the nerds, the artists, the loners and the leaders:

Find your gift. Treasure your purpose. Know that you are here for a reason, and you have something beautiful to contribute to this world. Be kind to your peers. Forgive past hurts and trade your anger for laughter. Enjoy your innocence. Demand your opportunities.

You can make a difference. We have the tools. Let’s empower each other to be the change our nation needs.

With Urgency and Inspiration,

Dr. Jacqueline Del Rosario