Miller Foundation Conveys Support and Action Plan for Change

16 Jun Miller Foundation Conveys Support and Action Plan for Change

LONG BEACH, CA (June 12, 2020) On June 12, the Earl B. and Loraine H. Miller Foundation expressed solidarity with the community’s call for change through the following official statement from the Board of Trustees and Foundation staff:

“Dear Colleagues,

The Board of Trustees and staff of the Earl B. and Loraine H. Miller Foundation are deeply concerned for the health and well-being of our city in these turbulent times. We especially express our empathy for the systemic pain caused by racist policies and practices that remain very real and relevant for the African American community, and that have manifested in the killings of Ahmaud Aubery, Breonna Taylor, and George Floyd, amongst many others.

Our Foundation’s creators were committed to a healthy quality of life for all children, regardless of race or socioeconomic status. This dedication led them to fund the Miller Children’s Hospital as their first project in 1967. Sadly, we realize that, for many in our community, the conditions into which they are born and live their lives have not significantly improved. In fact, according to the Community Health Assessment conducted by the Long Beach Department of Health and Human Services, a child growing up in the 90802 zip code has a life expectancy seven years shorter than a child in the 90815 zip code area. This must change. Such disparities at every level of our society fuel the despair we are seeing in our streets and on social media today.

In 2016, The Miller Foundation undertook a strategic planning process in which we decided to increase our focus on the most vulnerable communities, many of which are home to a substantial number of African American families. In accordance with our strategic focus, the Foundation commits to the following action steps to address bias, racism, and police brutality:

• Allocate funding to support organizations with a focus on providing Black youth and young people of all ethnicities with innovative programs that educate and empower them as advocates for racial equity and improved quality of life.
• Support initiatives that address reforms to police training and policies that address racial bias and strengthen community relations.
• Meet with community leaders that represent diversity of race, socio-economic status, corporate and political backgrounds to determine how we can work together to create positive change.

The Earl B. and Loraine H. Miller Foundation is proud to partner with organizations working diligently to help families navigate complex social and economic circumstances. We pledge our continued support of critical needs, and commit to be vigilant in exploring new opportunities to collaborate in greater service.  We extend our gratitude to all who are joining efforts to help all citizens equitably rise in pursuit of their dreams.”