Press Release: Statement on Equality and Justice from the Board of Directors
Members of the Board of Directors of the Upper Darby Arts and Education Foundation pledge to equality and justice, while reaching out to community leaders within Upper Darby Township
November 23, 2020 | Drexel Hill, PA In response to the ongoing turmoil over our nation's history of institutionalized bias, the members of the Board of Directors of the Upper Darby Arts and Education Foundation recently discussed how the Foundation's work could further promote equitable access to academic attainment, and pledged to safeguard that the organization's leadership, goals and efforts always reflect the rich diversity inherent to the social fabric of Upper Darby Township.
The Upper Darby Arts & Education Foundation is a local non-profit organization that serves the residents and students of the Upper Darby School District. Established twenty-five years ago, the volunteer organization has granted nearly two million dollars to support student and teacher led projects, with a particular emphasis on arts education, STEM programs, and providing unique cultural experiences to Upper Darby youth. The Foundation also supports the nationally renowned Upper Darby Summer Stage program and offers the critically acclaimed Schoener Music Man Academy to Upper Darby Elementary and Middle School students each summer.
Upper Darby Township is the largest and most diverse township in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. There are more than 80 languages are spoken within the community.
Terry Tracy, president of the Upper Darby Arts and Education Foundation graduated from Upper Darby High School in 2000 and resides in the Drexel Hill section of the township. “Since the inception of the Arts and Education Foundation 25 years ago our objective has been to enhance the educational experience of every student in this diverse township,” said Tracy. “As we witness this recurrence of national events in support of basic human rights and equality, we feel strongly that Upper Darby is uniquely positioned to take the lead in our civil discourse, clarifying our Board’s focus as we recommit to the highest standard of both liberty and equality.”
As the members of the Board of Directors of the Upper Darby Arts & Education Foundation publicly pledge to support initiatives that promote equality and justice, they are reaching out to leaders of local organizations and throughout the township to heighten awareness of the foundation’s work and ask members of the community to get involved.
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It’s simply not enough to issue an esoteric statement that supports these principles in concept only. Everyone needs to roll up their sleeves and get to work. And our work begins right here in Upper Darby Township. I am proud to say that Upper Darby already is an example, in many ways, of what our nation strives to become. But we still have work to do. Now is the ideal time to accelerate our work and amplify our voice. As Teddy Roosevelt once said, 'This country will not be a good place for any of us to live in unless we make it a good place for all of us to live in.’"
The Public Pledge to Equity and Justice is attached. For more information about this effort or to participate, please email the Upper Darby Arts and Education Foundation at upperdarbyfoundation@gmail.com.
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The mission of the Upper Darby Arts & Education Foundation: By building partnerships with the community and the Upper Darby School District, the UDAEF supports innovative projects that will enrich the educational experience of each child in the District.