News - Education

 The Wilmington Ten Foundation extends deepest sympathy to the families who have lost their loved ones, in the most recent and also past gun violence around this country. We are saddened about the hatred of, and victimization of blacks.

An Approach to Gun Violence; Black Lives Still Matter

While we want to believe gun reform is on the way, we must also keep in mind that profound changes in bureaucratic institutions (government) are hard to make. Despite the pleas of many victims of slain family members and loved ones, civil rights and social justice organizations, and high ranking officials; they have been unable to bring about the changes, or reform NRA laws. Reform is one means to effect the change, but we can effect that change by speaking louder at the ballot box. We must not burn out in our efforts to right this wrong. We must continue to impress to the haters that blacks place a high value on their lives in this country. We have to change the system. The best way to change the system is to VOTE out leaders, and gatekeepers who do not embody our same values and ideals.

The changes that we need are so vast and profound, but can only happen if we (everyone--- no matter the race, creed, color) unite around a common agenda --- the ballot box. Voting is a short and long term solution to a more successful reform. Voting can bring about fundamental change, and is your right! Use your voice not only in your protests, but at the ballot box. We need to be at the polls & vote in every election. We need to take others to the polls with us. Voting should be first and foremost on our agendas. We need to impress upon others the same. We are waiting on a top down approach. Maybe what we need is a bottom up approach instead. We must combine our efforts in common purpose. We can lobby our legislators, but if they embody the same beliefs as the perpetrators, then our efforts are null and void.

In sum, those who are employed and given the charge to protect citizens must be held accountable; accountable to valuing, saving lives (not destroying), serving without malice, and protecting. Further, we must understand that no reform in isolation will bring about the change we need and want to see.

Become the gatekeepers!!! #‎VOTE!

Vote out all those who DO NOT believe, that all men were created equal!!! Vote for those who believe that we are all created equal & have the right to the preservation of life, liberty and pursuit of happiness, which the Declaration of Independence says has been given to all by their Creator.

Karen Clay Beatty, MSW

Executive Director