Dear Friends,
We are never alone on our journey. If we take the time to look, we can clear the brush and uncover the path that was laid down before us. This path was built with the dreams, the sweat, the tears, and the hopes of those who came before us.
Martin Luther King Jr. reminds us that, “Human progress is neither automatic nor inevitable. Every step toward the goal of justice requires sacrifice, suffering, and struggle; the tireless exertions and passionate concern of dedicated individuals.”
Like those who paved the path for MLK, and from MLK to our founders, every faithful step was laid with intention, strength, and bravery – steadfast in the face of criticism, doubt and the unknown – to create a more inclusive future for every child. Our founders envisioned a future where our children would be free to define their own identities, rather than being confined by systems of inequity.
Despite mainstream stereotypes and misrepresentations of Asian cultures, our Chinese American founders, Catherine Ko, Ruth Yee, Miranda Li, Yan Wong, Siu Yip Wong, Alice Lau, Stella Chan, Karen Chin, and Sai Ling Chan Sew, bravely set out on their journey to create a place that would welcome children and families to embrace their legacy, cultures, languages, and rich histories. They started a Resource and Referral program and provided early care for 30 children in Chinatown. Now over four decades later, Wu Yee, protector of children, serves over 3,000 children each year citywide from diverse backgrounds.
We would not be here if not for visionaries like Dr. King and our founders who dared to push our imagination on what diversity and inclusion could look like for children in our country and beyond. Looking back at the long hard fought path laid down before us is what gives us the courage and resilience to keep pressing forward.
With deep gratitude for the path they built to lift us up, we continue to build toward our collective vision where every child receives the protection and nurturing they need to have the best start possible. If we can get enough minds to work together steadily towards this goal, we can surely raise up our brightest future. Together, we raise SF.
What legacy do you wish to leave for our children?
