The Aspen Institute

What Governors, Mayors and Community Leaders can do to Support Schools

On August 26th we hosted a dialogue moderated by NPR’s Sasha-Ann Simons and broadcast live on C-SPAN. 

• The conversation took place in the wake of the police shooting of Jacob Blake and subsequent protests in Wisconsin and across the country. Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers acknowledged the challenge of leading amidst the racial tension and violence and how these recent events contribute to how this school year will look different; the entire system will be challenged because of COVID and because of racism.  
• Aspen Ascend parent advisor Waukecha Wilkerson noted: “The system needs a complete overhaul. Until that happens, we will still need supports.”
• However, racial injustice motivates us to do more.  Albuquerque Mayor Tim Keller said: “It won’t go away until we address it directly. This is an American problem…we’ve got to move faster.”

Fortunately, from social service “hubs” in La Crosse, Wisconsin, to youth services in community centers throughout Albuquerque, New Mexico, communities are responding with collaboration and coordination. Watch the full discussion below.