what we do

WE PROVIDE RESOURCES AND SERVICES FOR OUR COMMUNITY WITH THE ULTIMATE GOAL OF DISMANTLING AND DESTROYING RACISM.

KWANZAA on the New haven Green

“We believe acknowledging and uplifting African Americans and their roots provides a piece of healing to the traumas that racism brings. We celebrated Kwanzaa with the City of New Haven residents with our first annual Kwanzaa on the Green. The celebration began with a Kwanzaa booth that taught about the holiday and provided giveaways during the City’s annual Festival of Lights Ceremony. The celebration was highlighted with a ‘Happy Kwanzaa’ sign prominently displayed on the New Haven Green. Thanks to the generous support from CT Humanities for this project.”

The effects of systemic racism continue. The average median income for African American families in New Haven is $32,000. The average median income for white families is $61,000 (Data New Haven, 2019).

HISTORY IN COLOR: Anti-racist curriculum

“History In Color is an anti-racist curriculum that teaches the histories and cultures of People of Color. Children and teachers workshop the experiences of Native Americans, African Americans, LatinX Americans and other cultural groups along with Heritage Month celebrations throughout the year. Together, through the examination of primary documents, music, poetry, videos, and articles, children and teachers discuss issues that affect us all as they learn about the great contributions of civilizations of color throughout time.

History In Color is constructed with teachers in mind. These Press and Play lessons include weekly plans and activities for the children after each lesson. Embedded is a Social Emotional strategy (JAM) to ease feelings and tensions that may arise during these lessons and dialogues about sometimes difficult historical facts.”

Anti-racist/ANTI-BiAS teacher training

We all have implicit personal biases. These affect our job performance and more importantly, our relationship with the children we serve. In 2016, Yale Child Study conducted a study on implicit bias in the Preschool classroom and found the “Push Out” phenomenon. Black children, specifically African American preschool boys, were suspended at a rate of 3 times that of their white counterparts. In the year 2022, there were numerous accounts of racist comments by teachers nationwide and in Connecticut as well.

The State of the Connecticut Teacher Workforce reports that 90% of our Connecticut teachers are white as opposed to the children of color who makeup 41%. It also reports that with charter schools in the state experiencing greater rates of teacher attrition, more work must be done to retain teachers who want to work in different communities. We work to assist those teachers committed to working in different communities by equipping them with the necessary understanding of students’ experiences and providing them with tools to be effective and lasting anti-racist teachers.

The JUNETEENTH Project

“Instilling and promoting cultural pride, self-esteem and confidence in our children is a primary goal of our work. In the spring of 2021, we brought Juneteenth celebrations inside of the classrooms of New Haven public schools. We continue that tradition. Each year we provide schools, families and communities with free digital resources to celebrate Juneteenth. These resources include a free virtual block party and digital book, The UmoJamz, It’s Juneteenth!”

THE LOVE IN ACTION PROJECT: psa campaign

Join ARIA and put these 4 simple acts of love into action. Together we can combat racism and heal its traumas.

Speak Up. Assuming that someone else will take action may leave the victim unsupported.
Be a Good Samaritan. Help the victim by standing with them. Your support during the time of trauma makes a difference.
Shine Your Light. Notify the authorities of the incident and offer support to the victim during the process.
Spread Kindness. Be open-minded, patient, and forgiving. Remember, we are all members of one race, the human race.