To our Step Up Community,
Black lives matter.
At Step Up, this is a truth we walk in every day. With one third of our girls identifying as Black or African American, we understand the urgency of addressing their needs, concerns and experiences as a result of race or racism within their communities.
Step Up stands with the Black community against racism, hate and violence. We condemn the killings of Breonna Taylor, Ahmaud Arbery, George Floyd and the list of far-too many names that continue to prove that systemic racism runs deep in our country today.
Step Up girls represent a multitude of races, ethnicities and identities, all emboldened through meaningful mentoring relationships to use their voices and skills to address inequities, reject racism and build coalitions that strengthen their abilities to be future leaders. We expect our partners, mentors and staff to remain steadfast in our commitment to anti-racist practices and programming as we support talented girls in their preparation for college and careers.
We believe that participation in Step Up can lead to a more equitable world, where teens use their diverse experiences and leverage their access and power on behalf of the next generation of marginalized youth. We know it’s their voices at the vanguard that will bring a more just and prosperous society.
We provide opportunities for women to step into their responsibility to mentor our next generation of leaders.
We commit to contributing to a society that will live up to the promise of the girls in our Step Up community.
And we invite you to join us by supporting Black-owned businesses, amplifying Black voices and by mentoring our next generation.
In service and solidarity,
Delores Druilhet Morton
CEO, Step Up
