Mockingbird Times November 2018
Racial Harassment
System Reform
Johnathan Hemphill
In our love and acclamation of diversity and multiculturalism in the workplace, an elephant, in the room needs to be addressed.
Youth Voice. Youth Presence.
System Reform
Maven Gardner
I believe it’s important to have those with lived experience be heard loud and clear, all of us here at Mockingbird do. I’m very grateful for the opportunities I’ve had to share my experience with homelessness and foster care.
Letter from the Executive Director
Dear Friends and Allies,
Racial equity in child welfare was dealt a huge blow last month, when a U.S. District judge ruled the Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA) was unconstitutional. The ruling states ICWA gives preferential treatment to American Indians based on race, thus violating the equal protection
Art in Action
Art in Action
I wrote this because I changed homes and schools often in foster care, but I seemed to never lose track of my persistence to succeed. Facing change and adversity led to a light being turned on that may have never turned on in my previous environment. I just needed a place to excel in and I imagine this would be sort of like a call made to a foster parent about me. I want to urge foster youth that despite the obstacles of their past, they can succeed in the future.
Art in Action
— Ethan Carolus, Spokane Chapter
Radio’s Broken Heart
I am from the dirt that flys from under
my shoes
I am the lone and forgotten and
broken hearted.
I am
Greater Equity Needed in Education
Power of One
Jade Tillequots
There are a lot of people that will help you get into college and to help you pay for college but staying in college is a different story. College is talked about a lot in high school. You can go to a counselor or teacher and they will help you find colleges and funding. In addition, as a young person who aged out of care, you can receive more financial assistance because you can claim independent on your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and there are other programs that will even assist a student in covering their cost of attendance or books.
Income Inequality: A Threat to Future Generations
Power of One
Farid Rasul
Tea, politics, soccer, and tea again; these were the ingredients of a village gathering. I recall the winters of my early teenage years. Villagers would bond and debate over how to fix the world’s problems. Often the debate’s topic was a question like, “Which country is the best country to live in?” I remember one name that would always be at the top after the debate and everyone would agree by the end: the United States of America. Everyone would unknowingly bring up their perception of the American dream — people who work hard would get ahead in life. Years later and after living in this country for a year and half, I find that statement hard to believe. As a student and working two jobs I still live paycheck to paycheck.