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Not Always Easy

For 50 years, the people of Madison, and especially the Madison ABC host families and the Daniel Hand community, have been very welcoming to our Madison ABC students. As a board of directors, we thank them for supporting our students through their high school years as they live away from their home families and join us in our community. We believe that such shared experiences and dialogue can break down cultural barriers and be a vehicle for understanding and greater acceptance.

The example provided by the Madison community in embracing these young men gives us hope that real progress can be made in anti-racism, justice, and true equality. Yet, to this end, the murder of George Floyd and so many other people of color has again made it patently clear that there is so much that needs to be done.

As a majority white community, the residents in Madison can make a difference. We ask that the Madison community join in our efforts to be a voice for change, to be an ally in the fight against racism, to speak up in the face of prejudice and hatred, and to pledge as individuals to never be a passive bystander.

It is not always easy, but it is always critically important.

CJ Gladstone

Student Affairs Coordinator

Madison ABC