Fighting Racial Injustice

Dear Watts Learning Center families,

Police brutality is not new to the Black community in America. Long before the Black Lives Matter movement and the recent protests across the country, our daily experiences have reminded us of the deep systemic racism that exists in nearly all aspects of our society. The public murders of George Floyd, Ahmaud Arbery, Breonna Taylor, David McAtee, and countless others whose names we don’t know, show the world a troubling reality that many of us have dealt with for all of our lives. And they’ve elevated conversations about racial injustice that are long overdue.

It’s because of the systemic injustices in all of their forms that we started Watts Learning Center more than two decades ago. In these especially challenging times, Watts Learning Center continues to improve the quality of life in our community with a sense of urgency. Each and every day, we are committed to fighting racial injustice by providing an equitable and world-class education for our Black students, and students of all backgrounds, so that they can reach their full potential.

Our community is facing unprecedented challenges right now. The ongoing public health and economic crisis, combined with widespread civil unrest, disproportionately impacts the Watts community. It is more important than ever that we stand strong, together, to keep our children safe and on a path towards excellence.

I share deep feelings of sadness and anger with the people of Los Angeles, but I am also hopeful that this moment in history is a turning point for our country. Our community is engaged in the ongoing fight against racial injustice. Watts Learning Center is proud to stand with you, our families, in that fight.

With gratitude and hope,

Eugene L. Fisher Watts Learning Center Board President