Statement from the KNJ Board on Racism, Justice, and Equity 

Black Lives Matter.  Kodály New Jersey stands with Black educators, students, families, musicians, and community members.  We condemn racism, discrimination, and violence against Black communities.  

KNJ is dedicated to remembering the names of Ahmaud Abery, Breonna Taylor, and George Floyd, as well as the countless other Black Americans who have been murdered due to racism and oppression within our country.  We recognize KNJ has fallen short in our journey to become an anti-racist organization.  We must include and support Black voices and we commit to the following action steps:

• Offer professional development amplifying Black voices, reflecting New Jersey’s student population, and from diverse culture-bearers and cultural sources

• Share important and meaningful anti-racist materials

• Examine our pedagogy and song repertoire and replace songs which have perpetuated systemic racism with inclusive and diverse teaching and repertoire

Please join us as we move forward together, hold each other accountable, and learn from one another. We strive to create classrooms and communities where anti-racist principles direct our teaching and the learning truly embodies Kodály’s idea that “music is for everyone”. 

Sincerely,

The Board of Kodály New Jersey