Diversity
Our Commitment to
After the tragic killings of Rayshard Brooks, George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Ahmaud Arbery, Riah Milton, Dominique Fells and countless others before them, the LA Promise Fund reaffirmed its commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion. There is no place in our world for police brutality and senseless violence and deaths, especially those fueled by anti-blackness and systemic racism more generally. We stand in solidarity with anti-racist movements and all marginalized communities that have been disproportionately impacted by injustice and inequity for too long.
At the LA Promise Fund, we believe that education remains one of the most powerful tools to break century-old cycles of oppression, violence and poverty for students, their families and communities. We believe education can chisel away at racism by teaching diverse histories and perspectives and by disrupting a predominately white male perspective that has excluded and actively erased the voices and contributions of people of color.
Institutionalized racism and systemic injustice pervades many aspects of society today, especially for our African American students and families. We are committed to eradicating racism within our organization, raising our voice against racism and uplifting our South LA community and beyond.
To do so, the LA Promise Fund is committed to the following:
1. Foster a Diverse, Inclusive and Equitable Team
Set ambitious goals for diversity, recruitment and hiring across all roles and departments to ensure our staff and board embody the communities we serve. Ongoing review of our cultural, organizational and HR practices to ensure our team members are supported in their professional growth and performance and have access to learning about diversity, equity and inclusion.
2. Promote Anti-Racist Learning
Use culturally-relevant school curriculum that fights bigotry and hatred and is inclusive of all Black and Latinx history and infused by diverse perspectives across all content areas. Empower students to make informed decisions and raise their voices in advocacy and action. Use restorative behavioral practices and equity-focused instructional and assessment practices in our schools that promotes well-being, while recognizing the trauma that too many of our students have experienced.
3. Ensure Equity in Representation and Participation
In all of the college, career and life readiness programs that we manage – from parent engagement to our student-centered programs – ensure robust representation and participation of African American and Latinx people. Incorporate anti-racist teachings, diverse perspectives and opportunities for action.
4. Focus on Fundraising that Combats Inequities
Focused fundraising to bring more resources and opportunity to South LA students, families and schools.
5. Support South LA, Black-Owned and/or Female-Led Businesses
Identify local vendors and prioritize people of color owned businesses, especially Black-owned entities, in providing services and partnerships. Connect Black and Latinx-owned businesses and professionals to our programming to forge career paths for future generations of African American and Latinx students.
