King County Executive, Dow Constantine and the King County Board of Health have declared June 4th, 2021 as King County Regional Community Safety and Well-being Day in recognition of the rising rates of gun violence in this region and the launch of a pilot program called the King County Regional Peacekeepers Collective (RPKC).
Inequity and injustice impact us all. Since declaring Racism is a Public Health Crisis (RPHC), King County Government and Public Health – Seattle & King County (PHSKC) have committed to developing stronger and better resourced partnerships with community organizations and leaders to disrupt and dismantle racism and protect the health and well-being of our all our residents, regardless of race or location.
We must celebrate the beauty and fullness in all that Black children and youth are. Out in the world Black children and youths’ stories are living, breathing, and thriving narratives that demand more of us. They ask: do you see my humanity and are you willing to understand my full story? Today, we are grateful to share a poem by Nikai Mackie, who originally shared her piece with our community partner, Young-Women Empowered (Y-WE), in June 2020. We hope you intentionally sit and reckon with Nikai’s words.
The Juvenile Legal System Family Handbook focuses on helping family and guardians of impacted youth understand and navigate the King County Juvenile Legal System. It also provides links to additional resources and helpful information for community service providers working to support youth and families.
The direct effects of increased exposure to violence, police brutality, and systemic racism placed on the Black Community, and a pandemic that has disproportionately affected communities of color here in King County, continues to be a concern for Black Children and Families. Culturally relevant help is available locally and online. Partners across King County have worked to develop a list of emotional well-being resources below, including events, spaces for community and healing, online resources, and culturally relevant mental health professionals.
There is funding for an initial engagement effort that will invest in partnerships with 25-35 community-based organizations in King County currently serving BIPOC communities. Community partners have the opportunity to be funded at…