Our mission statement and philosophy inspire Brown Ledgers to develop their own sense of community and responsibility at Camp, so that we may carry that forward with us into the world. Brown Ledge believes it is critical for organizations with a voice to speak out against racial injustice and systemic oppression. We stand with the Black Lives Matter movement, and with those pursuing justice for George Floyd, Ahmaud Arbery, Breonna Taylor, Tony McDade, and countless other black individuals who have been killed as a direct result of systemic racism. 

We know there is work ahead of us, as a predominantly white and privileged community, to ensure that Brown Ledge improves upon providing an inclusive experience to all campers, staff, and families. To this end, we are reviewing camp policies and training, and critically examining the accessibility of our program. As our action plan develops, we will keep our community informed.

At Brown Ledge, we encourage our campers to face problems head-on, and to look for solutions. We hope you will take time to talk with your loved ones, and learn about what you can do to move toward equity and justice for all peoples. There are no quick fixes to systemic racism. For those in search of where to start, we offer a few suggestions below.

We commit to continuing conversations about how racism impacts our community, and to learning how to become an actively anti-racist organization. We welcome your input in that work, and encourage you to reach out to us with your feedback, insight, and ideas at [email protected].

In solidarity,

Brown Ledge Board of Directors

Abby Lovshin-Smith, Director

Kim McManus, Assistant Director

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Articles:

• How to Talk to Kids About Racism and the George Floyd Protests
• 9 Things Non-Black Parents Can Do in the Wake of Police Brutality
• The 1619 Project
• Vermont Public Radio: How Do We Build A Welcoming Vermont?

Books for Adults:

• How to be Anti Racist by Ibram X Kendi
• Why Are All the Black Kids Sitting Together in the Cafeteria?: And Other Conversations 
• About Race By Beverley Daniel Tatum
• Me and White Supremacy by Layla F. Saad
• The New Jim Crow by Michelle Alexander

Books For Young Adults/Children:

• The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas

• Stamped: Racism, Antiracism, and You by Jason Reynolds and Ibram X Kendi

• Resist: 35 Profiles of Ordinary People Who Rose Up Against Tyranny and Injustice by Veronica Chambers

Videos/Movies/Documentaries:

• 13th: Directed by Ava DuVernay (Netflix)
• Selma: Directed by Ava DuVernay (Netflix and Amazon Prime)

• If Beale Street Could Talk: Directed by Barry Jenkins (Hulu)

• Fruitvale Station: Directed by Ryan Coogler (Available to Rent)

Podcasts:

• Still Processing
• Code Switch
• Intersectionality Matters