All Pull Together

The second in a recurring column from GRACE & ECPCA’s President & CEO, Shimica Gaskins

August 5, 2024

When I first encounter the long, hot days of summer, I’m reminded of my time at Children’s Defense Fund-California, where I had the privilege of supporting CDF Freedom Schools sites across the state. CDF Freedom Schools gather energetic children, motivated student leader interns, and committed site supervisors and staff for six weeks of programming each summer–reaching thousands of children across the U.S. With a rich history grounded in the spirit of 1964’s Freedom Summer, Freedom Schools support children’s educational attainment and teach them about what it means to be civically engaged. Held in places of worship, schools, and at community-based organizations, participants experience joy and laughter among their peers, are immersed in a culturally reflective curriculum, and learn about social justice and how they can have an impact on the world.

Each day begins with a foundational part of the program, a coming together called “harambee.” From the Swahili for “all pull together,” harambee instills in these young people the idea that we create positive change–and that the way we do that is with each other. 

I’m reminded of this spirit looking back at our recent state budget battle and the funding we secured for hardworking Californians. In a shift from the surpluses of the last few years, this year lawmakers were faced with tough choices in balancing the budget. Unfortunately and unsurprisingly, the safety of families with low incomes and other vulnerable community members was threatened in this process, as budget plans would have pushed more Californians into hunger and poverty by stripping vital support away from parents and children, foster youth, seniors, and people with disabilities. Deeply troubling, these cuts would have disproportionately impacted Black and Brown communities and immigrants.

But faced with that possibility, what did we do together? First, we reminded our leaders about our values. That every person is worthy of dignity and respect. That everyone’s basic needs are worth fighting for. And that we have a duty to prioritize giving the next generation what they need to succeed. Second, we showed up in beautiful ways. Our coalition brought legislators more than 700 emails written by families explaining what programs and benefits mean to them. We assembled at the capital for hearings, lobby days, and office visits, sharing the direct impact of government decisions on our communities. We also rallied with hundreds of our neighbors, illuminating the power of a people-driven, diverse coalition.

In the end, the final budget agreement reflected a commitment to prioritize proven anti-poverty programs and rejected the failed austerity measures that have been relied on in the past. We have more work to do, but it is a remarkable step to preserve vital programs in the current budget climate.

As we take a little time to enjoy the summer with friends and family, I hope you’ll pause to reflect on the difference we’ve made. It’s evidence that advocacy works, of the power of a unified message, and of the relentless spirit needed to fight for community needs. This wasn’t our first fight, and it certainly won’t be our last. But I feel more equipped for the next one seeing the strength of our collective efforts.

Like I so often heard the kids in Freedom Schools proclaim, “I can make a difference in myself, my family, my community, my state, my country, my world.” Last month we did just that, and we accomplished it because we all pulled together.