Black Elders Deserve the Right to Protection and Agency
PRINCIPLE #3 OF THE BLACK ELDERING BILL OF RIGHTS
Even as Black Elders are often held in high regard by our community, far too many experience livelihoods below the margins of life, liberty, justice, and pursuit of happiness that is constitutionally enshrined for all Americans. When Black Elders are left behind, we are all left behind. Because we live in a political system and society that does not value Black lives, we must strive to embody the spirit of Sankofa to ensure that Black Elders receive the nature and quality of care that they need and deserve.
Black Elders deserve to know and feel that their position as protected community members is unwavering and non-negotiable.
Black Elders deserve the right to food security, physical safety, physiological safety and emotional wellbeing. This means that Black Elders deserve to be free from neglect and abuse in all forms and from all people, policies, and institutions.
Black Elders deserve the right to exercise their position, power, voice, and vote to push back against any act of injustice that prevents that pursuit of life, liberty, and happiness. Black Elders deserve a right to representation in local, state, and federal-level public policy and decision-making that impacts funding services, and programming for older adults.
