DEAR COMMUNITY

June 16, 2020 

Dear Black to The Future Community,

It’s complicated to be a Black American in a leadership position at this time. My energy has been split in many directions, and while I’ve been feeling the urgent need to share a message with the Black to the Future community, I needed to take the time to process. Worrying about my brother and boyfriend’s safety when they take routine trips to the store and having to explain racism and the senseless police murders of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Ahmaud Arbery, Tony McDade, and David McAtee to my five-year-old daughter on top of the work and challenges of everyday life has left me feeling drained. 

But I’m keeping in mind the legacy of our ancestors, who persisted through almost unimaginable adversity, and I know that we must keep going. 

Even before this most recent string of tragedies, the work of being Black in America was tireless and tiring. As a Black woman, I have to temper my own passion in the work I do to avoid being perceived as aggressive or labeled an “angry Black woman.” When my daughter displays age-appropriate “bad behavior” at school, I have to try to remain calm as the teachers jump to insulting and racist conclusions, asking what’s going on at home or assuming that her father isn’t in the picture. From these so-called “microaggressions” to the anti-Black violence that threatens our lives and the lives of our loved ones, enough is enough. 

We at Black to the Future are not only committed to providing quality cultural services; we are committed to insisting on real change. Just like the beautiful Black communities we partner with and serve, we are tired of prematurely losing countless Black lives because of racism and state violence.  

I want you to know that we are here and we stand with you in the fight for change. Despite the painful realities we’re faced with in these times, we continue to be hopeful about the future we can create together. 

As a reminder, we offer supports in health and wellness, violence prevention, family support and advocacy, education, and workforce development. If there’s a resource you’re seeking or a challenge you need support with, please don’t hesitate to contact us.

In Community, 
Crystal Brookter
Lead Program Coordinator

March 21, 2020 

Dear Black to The Future Community,

We as a community are facing unprecedented challenging times as we move into this "new normal." In the face of this uncertainty, be assured that Black to The Future continues to support the needs of the residents of San Francisco. 

To reduce the spread of the COVID-19 Virus, the City and County of San Francisco along with Health Officers of the Bay Area issued a Public Health Order that requires residents to STAY HOME with exception for essential needs. This is currently in effect until April 7, 2020. 

This has resulted in modified Black to The Future operations but to be clear Black to The Future IS OPEN AND ACTIVELY SERVING OUR SAN FRANCISCO RESIDENTS.

Out of precaution, Black to The Future has adjusted the delivery of our program and services from in-person, to a remote service model utilizing technology to support our clients, customers and each other through these trying times. In the spirit of continuous improvement, Black to The Future will continue to refine and adapt our service delivery models to best serve our San Francisco Residents. 

To assist you with navigating the current times, we have compiled a short list of resources. We hope you find these useful and encourage you to share them with others who might benefit from this information. 

https://sf.gov/topics/coronavirus-covid-19 
https://www.sfusd.edu 
https://www.cdc.gov 

Black to The Future is steadfast in our commitment to our community even in times of challenges and rapid change. Now is the time to lean on one another for support and resources while we navigate these difficult circumstances together. On behalf of Black to The Future, it is an honor to serve the residents of San Francisco. We look forward to announcing new ways we will be providing our programs and services in the days to come. 

For more information, contact us at: 
(415) 617-9831
blacktothefuture@ycdjobs.org 

In Community, 
Crystal Brookter
Lead Program Coordinator