At HEA, we work together across communities for the betterment of the whole county — and we share the belief that education is the key to unlocking the full potential of all. Now, more than ever, we know that the social change and vision that we aspire to for Elkhart County cannot happen without addressing systemic racism and injustice.

Systemic racism and brutality toward people of color have occurred for centuries in our country. The current protests that continue across the world reflect the turmoil, anger, hurt, and frustration in our communities, but also the urgent need and passion for change. We mourn with the families and communities of all those who have been impacted by racial injustice and violence.

As an organization, we recognize that we have a long way to go to truly live out and represent the core value of equity in all that we do. Times like these, fraught as they are, still give us hope that our community can work toward a better, more just future for all of Elkhart County and beyond. For now, we are prepared to listen and learn, and we stand in solidarity alongside our Black neighbors, family members, friends, and coworkers in the fight for equality, justice, and peace.