In the American narrative, the heroes I have always been drawn to are everyday people making small, brave choices to lead for themselves, their families and their communities. People like my great-great-great-grandfather, George Dickerson, who enlisted in the U.S. Colored Infantry during the Civil War to fight for his freedom and the freedom of all those enslaved in the United States. I think about the members of my family who gambled that a move North to work in Milwaukee’s factories would yield a brighter future than continuing to toil as sharecroppers. I think about my grandmother. She served on the first Title I committee for Milwaukee Public Schools and dedicated her time to interpreting federal laws for parents. This helped them understand and advocate for the rights of their children under the new Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965. I also think about my mother marching alongside fellow members of Milwaukee’s NAACP Youth Council for fair, open, and desegregated housing. Each generation worked not only for their advancement, but a chance for all to live freely and fully.
These generational advancements have always been met with obstacles, opposition, backlash — fueled by fear, a sense of lost status, lost power, lost authority. The freedom George Dickerson gained was met with 100 years of Jim Crow laws and forced segregation. And yet, we forged ahead, powered by what was only possible through movement and community.
Fear again has taken hold of our national ethos — sowing chaos, confusion, and a broad sense of vulnerability across the communities we serve. Policies, programs, and community-based nonprofits like Public Allies are at risk. Our Allies, alumni and neighbors feel exposed and unprotected. In these moments, I turn to history’s lessons for guidance and wisdom. And history tells me that once again, it will be everyday heroes, like our Allies and alumni, joined together in community, making brave choices to lead in moments when leadership is most difficult that will ensure that our children, and our children’s children will not have to relitigate their worth, legitimacy, and dignity before this nation.
So, in this moment, let’s remember that we are the antidote to the fear and chaos, we always have been. This is my personal call to action to you, my community: lean into each other, invest in each other, show up for each other. We are, each one of us, the everyday heroes.
Now is the time to reconnect and build community. Nonprofit organizations across the country funded by the federal government are facing uncertainty. The apprenticeship we’ve operated for over 30 years is nearly 50% federally funded. Because I know firmly in my heart that our leaders are the answer, I’m asking you to invest in Public Allies now so we can continue our critical work and build a sustainable future. Help us stand firmly rooted in our values, dependent on no single entity for our existence but held together by community. Strong communities are the foundation of our democracy and with strong communities we can work courageously together towards a just and equitable future.
You will be hearing from me in the coming weeks as we activate our network, sector peers and partners towards collective action. Let’s practice into existence the leadership we want to see in the world. And I want to hear from you too. Let us know how we can support you, partner with you, and create the future together.
In peace and power,
Jenise Terrell
CEO, Public Allies