The Executive Board of New Jersey Makers Day has been deeply disturbed by the recent killings of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Ahmaud Arbery, and countless other African Americans.
We acknowledge the existence of systemic racism, oppression, and targeted violence that directly affects the Black community, and we stand in solidarity with those who have taken action nationwide to address this oppression.
Our organization serves all New Jersey residents, and does not condone racism, hate, or discrimination in any form. The mission of New Jersey Makers Day is to inspire and activate libraries to showcase and highlight STEM and maker culture, enhancing life-long learning.
But we acknowledge the lack of diversity and representation of the Black community in the New Jersey Makers Day organization, and in libraries, STEM education and maker culture, in general.
The New Jersey Makers Day Executive Board is committed to taking the following actions to support future diversity and inclusion:
- Identifying and promoting Black-owned STEM businesses to the New Jersey Makers Day participating locations
- Actively recruiting BIPOC participation in the New Jersey Makers Day Executive Board and corresponding committees
- Ensuring that communities of color are represented and supported in New Jersey Makers Day statewide participation through targeted grant opportunities
We are committed to working with our participating locations to create hands-on learning experiences that are equitable, and encourage access to BIPOC and other historically marginalized groups.
New Jersey Makers Day must reflect the rich ethnic, racial, and cultural diversity that exists throughout the state of New Jersey.
Adopted by the Executive Board of New Jersey Makers Day, October 9, 2020