This week we have seen a phenomenal shift in the conversation around race and poverty.  We are beginning to see a movement’s narrative take hold in the public debate and this week we even witnessed our country’s leading Democratic candidates saying out loud that “black lives matter.”

The shift in narrative is a direct result of the brave activism of the #BlackLivesMatter movement which has continuously called into question the state-sanctioned murder of black lives. Black Lives Matter has pushed candidates and politicians to stray from meticulously crafted talking points to a real discussion on how we can change the rules that have systematically oppressed black lives.

But it doesn’t end with policing. We recognize that police violence is a crisis and will continue to #sayhername and mobilize for reform to the “criminal justice” system. We also recognize that the creation, growth, and persistence of high- poverty communities are linked to race, to mass incarceration and to employment. For too long the rules have systematically stripped opportunity and agency for black communities and other communities of color.

We are part of the campaign, Putting Families First: Good Jobs for All, to build a movement to organize real people and unlock opportunity in the poorest communities. Will you join us?

RSVP for the event on Facebook here: https://www.facebook.com/events/874020499314034/

Take part in the conversation to put #FamiliesFirst! Join a Facebook Q & A TODAY at 12pm EST with Charlene Carruthers, national director for Black Youth Project 100 (BYP100). Hear about the campaign from Charlene’s point of view and learn how you can get more involved.

The conversation will take place Thursday, July 23 at 12PM EST on facebook.com/goodjobsforall.

We know that real people organizing and speaking truth to power always wins and we can’t win the fight to Put Families First without you! Add your voice and join the conversation this Thursday!