For the past 10 years I have been participating in the NYC Triathlon and have used that event as a way of reaching out to friends, family and colleagues and asking them to support the extraordinary work of the All Stars Project. So while I am sad to say the triathlon has been canceled this year, I nonetheless want to take the opportunity to reach out to ask for your support.

It has been painfully obvious that while the whole world has been attacked by the Covid virus it is clearly hitting our poorest communities the hardest with infection and death rates much higher than in white communities. We are also suffering from another deadly virus. A 400 year old pandemic of racism and racially motivated violence. During this time of illness and upheaval, I believe the work of the All Stars is more important than ever. We were founded and shaped on the frontlines of responding to racial injustice and inequality and we are continuing to bring new and creative ways to engage in that fight. I am so proud to have been volunteering with them from the very first day and to continue to be there 40 years later.

The All Stars, creates free, after school development programs for inner-city youth and families, on stage and in life. In the midst of this pandemic, innovation and adaptation has been on the forefront as All Stars has recreated their programming to be offered virtually. Their programs have continued in full force. Over 400 young people graduated from Development School for Youth (DSY) this Spring. Youth Onstage! (YO!) evolved to "Youth Theatre Experience," a 6-week training course available to all young people across the country. They have created virtual events and workshops, for youth and adults, to ensure that our community is connected, and growing. And All Stars continues to be on the forefront of engaging police-community relations in our country through Operation Conversation: Cops & Kids.

We need to make sure the All Stars can continue its positive social justice work by impacting on the lives of thousands of young people of color. Were living through an important moment in history, lets come out of it stronger, more humane, developmental and fair. I ask you to stand with me in this fight. Please give generously and support the growth of our young people everywhere.