As protests against police brutality continue across the country, National CARES Mentoring Movement along with singer and activist Harry Belafonte will host a town hall telephone call tonight for both mentors and community leaders.
National CARES, a mentoring program aimed at expanding opportunities and programs catering to Black children, announced the call last week in the wake of the demonstrations and uprisings that have swept through Baltimore following the death of 25-year-old Freddie Gray.
Organizers want to virtually bring activists together to brainstorm solutions for the ongoing unrest in America. Both Susan L. Taylor, National CARES founder and ESSENCE editor-in-chief emerita, and Belafonte will moderate the discussion.
“Over the generations, Black lives have been devalued, and today, our young people, under relentless assault, are standing strong to end the centuries-long persecution that has killed the soul of the nation,” Taylor said in a statement. “Our children have been on the frontlines challenging policies and practices that are literally killing them. The question is what must we do right now as caring community leaders, parents, mentors and allies to support them and ensure victory?”
The call will take place on today from 7 to 8 pm ET. Anyone can participate, but space is limited. Reserve your spot here.