Statement of Solidarity & Support

“Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.”

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

Friday, August 28, 2020 

Project 351 is a youth-led service movement with a stated intent to progress Dr. King’s vision of the Beloved Community. And so, we are compelled -- by the shooting of Jacob Blake in Kenosha, Wisconsin -- to state our unequivocal rejection of racism and police brutality. And, our support of the Black Lives Matter movement. Black Lives Matter is not a political issue -- it is a human rights movement.

The racism in our country is systemic. It is built into all aspects of our lives, and it will take both a national commitment and sustained effort to eradicate it from our communities. These actions start with each of us.

Project 351’s mission includes the development of young leaders with the knowledge, awareness, empathy, and motivation to build communities defined by the absence of racism, bias, and discrimination. And to uplift a generation that passionately invests their gifts as architects of systems, structures, and organizations that advance social justice. Our work is built upon the recognition of shared values and our common humanity. It requires respect for the dignity of all and the courage to listen, learn, and grow.

We are taught by educators, social activists, racial justice leaders, Alumni, and partners including the Boston Celtics. We’re honored to lead the Celtics’ Playbook Initiative, an anti-bias, anti-discrimination training and education program for middle school students -- one piece of the Celtics’ expansive commitment to change. We’ve been deeply moved by their leadership this week. The Celtics, the NBA, and the WNBA demonstrate the power of collective action and the impact of voices raised against injustice.

Our work with the Celtics, the example of Service Heroes Jason and Devin McCourty, and the leadership of our Alumni have informed our broader focus on racial justice, diversity, equity, and inclusion. An Alumni Leadership Council Working Group was selected to review, analyze, and recommend policies and programs to strengthen our efforts. We’re engaged in open and honest conversations with our community, educators, and partners as we develop the strategies and policies to reflect our commitment to be an anti-racist organization. We will live this devotion through our programs, service, and curriculum.

This week -- this year -- has been one of contrasting images and emotions. We are thinking of the victims of anti-Black violence and anti-Black bias, and pray for the full recovery of Jacob Blake and peace for his family. We draw hope from those who continue to lead with courage, vision, and a belief in our common humanity. 

Friday, May 29, 2020

Project 351 is founded on a devotion to Dr. King's vision of the Beloved Community. Each day, our young leaders step up, stand up, lift up, and serve, advocate, and elevate the values of our democracy and the tenets of our common humanity. Central to our commitment is abiding respect for the dignity of all and communities that are inclusive, united, and just.

Our nation is facing extraordinary challenge -- most searingly, the recent events of racism, violence, and injustice. These events and the increased polarization of communities affect some members of the Project 351 family disproportionately. We stand with them in solidarity and love.
We are being tested as a national community and summoned to respond. At Project 351, we begin by stating our unequivocal rejection of racism and violence.

And, by reaffirming our mission. We are a community of diverse young leaders who represent the mosaic of America. Young and wise. Idealistic and purposeful. Aspirational and committed. Driven by faith in the best within all of us.

Inspired by the example of our Ambassadors and Alumni, we recommit -- with even deeper resolve -- to build the Beloved Community. To serve and lead with love and peace, wisdom and awareness, humility and purpose, and abiding hope.