Invest in resources that children and families need to thrive.
In New Orleans we spend an enormous amount of money responding to crime, but very little preventing it. About two-thirds of the city’s budget is spent on traditional “public safety” entities - NOPD, the District Attorney’s Office, and juvenile and criminal court, to name a few. The funding for affordable housing, early childhood development, and other supports that actually make us safer pales in comparison. It’s time our elected officials reassess their priorities and reinvest in our communities.
Advocate for resources and supports that families need to thrive, including a living wage, high-quality education, stable housing, and access to medical and mental health services.
Shift funding from traditional law enforcement practices to safety strategies created and provided by the community.
Advocate for economic and social policies that benefit Black families and remedy the historic and current divestment from Black communities.
End the over-policing and surveillance of Black neighborhoods and schools.
Black children are constantly being told they are dangerous. Police are more likely to patrol their neighborhoods and use discriminatory tactics like stop-and-frisk. Even educators suspend and expel Black students at a higher rate, increasing the likelihood that a child will end up in the justice system. This all takes an enormous psychological and emotional toll on kids. We need to make our communities and schools safe places for Black children to learn and grow.
Invest in community services that can meet the needs of people in crisis, rather than using the police to respond to every situation.
Stop using police cameras to surveil and intimidate Black communities.
Educate teachers and administrators on the school-to-prison pipeline and advocate for an end to suspension and expulsion practices.
Cops don’t belong in schools. Encourage school administrators to hire social workers, counselors, and other support staff instead.