“Students who do not feel safe and affirmed cannot be expected to demonstrate what they know and learn. This is not new news. We know that when students are not supported they disengage and dropout, which can impact life opportunities and future ability to earn money,” said David Johns, Executive Director of the National Black Justice Coalition. “In honor of Nigel, Jamel, Carl and so many other babies whose names we may never know, we need to act urgently to address the trauma, stress, and mental health needs of children, youth and young adults, especially those from racial and sexual minority communities.”

This year ushered in the most diverse set of Congressional representatives ever. We’ve celebrated historic firsts, like the first Queer woman of color, Rep. Sharice Davids (D-Kan.), who is also one of the first two indigenous women in Congress. Sen. Kyrsten Sinema (D-Ariz.) became the first openly bisexual member of the Senate. Rep. Jennifer Wexton (D-Va.) proudly displays a Transgender pride flag outside her office in support of the Trans community. With representation comes the promise of a voice, the promise of change.

As the world recognizes Transgender Awareness Week this month and International Transgender Day of Remembrance (TDoR) on November 20, NBJC continues to commit to building a coalition of organizations and individuals working to eradicate the epidemic of violence that haunts the lives of transgender people, especially transgender and gender non-binary people. Specifically during Transgender Day of Remembrance, we honor the lives of our transgender and gender non-binary family members who are no longer with us due to senseless acts of hate violence, and also call upon allies to step up and stand in solidarity.

This notion of #InvitingIn is a very privileged conversation that many people may never feel they can engage in due to life’s circumstances. With the state of the world and the work of community empowerment that still remains a priority for Black and Brown America, I understand why one can feel this way. However, I am here to tell you that while you may be facing oppression or rejection in life, there is always hope and for me, that has been found in building my community of support.