In a stirring display of unity and conviction, Homeless Children’s Network (HCN) staff and members of the San Francisco community convened at a recent San Francisco Board of Supervisors hearing on Tuesday, September 19, 2023. Their collective presence reverberated with a shared commitment to healing our community and addressing the enduring scars of historical injustices.
During this pivotal gathering, HCN staff and community members offered deeply personal stories that underscored the pressing need for reparations to rectify systemic inequalities. These accounts painted a vivid picture of resilience in the face of adversity, revealing the profound impact of historical injustices.
For HCN staff and advocates, this work transcends mere employment; it embodies a passionate dedication to the healing and restoration of our community. Multiple people spoke out about how they view reparations as a moral obligation, a crucial step toward forging a more equitable future for all.
At the hearing, a chorus of voices joined in unison to demand reparations, with impactful speeches from notable figures, including HCN's CEO, Dr. April Y. Silas, who left an indelible mark with her address.
"All four chambers of my heart completely and unequivocally support reparations. You have the power and the jurisdiction within this body to approve every page of these recommendations. Plaster upon the mirror of your mind: Black children, Black-led organizations, and Black LGBTQ. Why? Because those of us are often the first to be forgotten."
HCN's community remains steadfast in sustaining the dialogue around the importance of reparations.
The September 19, 2023 gathering bore witness to the unyielding determination of HCN staff and San Francisco community members as we raise our voices in support of reparations. Our community’s tales of resilience and unwavering pursuit of justice serve as a beacon of hope, pointing toward a more equitable future for all.