HerStory (About Us)
In March 2020, our world underwent a profound transformation due to COVID. In the midst of the pandemic's upheaval, a spotlight illuminated the realm of social justice, revealing stark disparities between the privileged and the underprivileged. The discrepancies in access to medical attention, alarming death rates, and the disproportionate impact on certain communities forced the world to confront uncomfortable truths.
As the global gaze fixated on the news media, a revitalized movement gained momentum: Black Lives Matter. The eruption reached its pinnacle with the tragic murder of George Floyd, an event that resonated internationally. George Floyd's death not only drew attention to an individual case but also underscored an ongoing pattern of police injustice, exposing a systemic crisis of racial profiling and accountability within our justice system. We must never forget to Say Their Names: https://sayevery.name
In the midst of the dual tragedies of COVID and Racial Injustice that tore through our nation, Family Child Care Providers stood resilient, keeping their doors open more than any other Early Learning System. They not only cared for infants, toddlers, and preschool children but also assumed the responsibility of educating siblings and neighboring students, setting up school-age online learning centers in their homes.
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In May 2020, Governor Inslee extended the proclamation of essential worker status to include Early Learning Providers. Simultaneously, Senator Murray of Washington created the "Supporting Students in Response to the Coronavirus Act" to provide fiscal support for the continuity of services, ensuring that our state received funding to keep our community alive.
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Historically, child care providers, particularly Black Women, have been the backbone of the wealth and sustainability of our country through their dedicated care for children.
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Here is an infographic that recreates the evolution of LINKED ARMS, giving credit to Child Care Aware as the owner of the information: Child Care Aware - The History of Child Care.
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Nimal D, alongside Mrs. Cynthia G, established a work group to address the over-auditing of Black, Spanish, and African providers.
This initiative led to a conversation with United Way Work Group facilitator, Dawa Goes Behind. With the support of United Way of King County and community leaders and child care providers Carol Morris and Trenise Roger, Mary Curry Hill successfully navigated the legal formation of LINKED ARMS, with the subtext of Creating Legacy One Queen at A Time.
The Evolution of LINKED ARMS
As George Floyd's voice cried out "momma" in his struggle to breathe, a call resonated for mothers and caregivers to fight for our children. While Washington State boasts many Family Child Care Associations, none specifically address the needs of "black care providers." Black people have been unfairly grouped with Black, Indigenous People of Color (BIPOC), negating the unique culture of enslaved Black individuals.
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The struggle with the lack of specific support for Black women in our profession became evident. While white counterparts were retiring, citing the invaluable support from their local associations, Black and Brown women found themselves isolated and fearful of sharing the challenges they faced. The absence of a supportive network, comprising friends and companions who looked like them, hindered the vital support necessary for business sustainability while working in isolation.
A turning point occurred when a guest speaker at an association meeting expressed a desire to diversify and expand into communities of color, directing the outreach effort to the speaker's Black representative – Mary Curry Hill. Despite requests for outreach, the feeling of standing alone persisted. Mary reached out to the child care union and agencies working with Early Learning Providers, only to be told that information on Black Providers could not be shared.
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Once again, isolated and dismissed into silence.
FUNDERS
United Way of King County
FUNDRAISER
DAWA GOES BEHIND
Dawason Goes Behind, former Impact Manager at United Way of King County, played a pivotal role in supporting BIPOC providers by amplifying their voices across the state.
He fostered a safe environment where stakeholders could meet, and providers could speak freely without fear of retribution.
Before leaving United Way, Dawa inspired us to continue advocating for equity and provided funding to support our mission. Through his efforts, Linked Arms received critical financial backing from United Way of King County, which remains our key supporter.
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Colleen Laing, Director of Systems Change & Public Policy at United Way, has continued to support our work, ensuring that Dawson's dream endures. We are grateful for their contributions and commitment to our shared mission.
As Tri-Chairs of this groundbreaking association, Trenise, Carol, and Mary are steering LINKED ARMS as Washington State's first ADOES (African Descendants Of EnSlaved) Family Child Care Association and ECE Provider.
The association's goal is to build and heal the community through the lens of the Black care provider. Additionally, Linked Arms proudly operates as a chapter of the Washington State Family Child Care Association.
Come Link Arms With Us,
Sincerely,
Mary Curry Hill