Letter To The NOCCA Community
Dear NOCCA Community,
I want to unequivocally state that NOCCA believes that the 401 years of loss of life, dignity, liberty, generational wealth, and opportunity by Black Americans needs immediate change. This requires every individual and institution to do what they can and must to make that change.
NOCCA is founded and grounded in the commitment to the rights and safety of students finding their voice and being safe in growing that voice. We also need the world that our students walk out into to be safe so that they are able to use that voice. We need our students and graduates not to be silenced or face the loss of life that has been the generational reality for far too many voices that the world was deprived of hearing.
We again find ourselves at a time that it is essential to provide all young voices, but specifically young Black voices, a place like NOCCA to thrive and learn. NOCCA as an institution and as a collection of individuals needs to continue our work to be the best version of a place where all can grow and learn.
That work continues. NOCCA has been examining itself and its history with the help of leaders and thinkers from the People’s Institute for Survival and Beyond and the Racial Equity Institute. We have consciously worked to keep NOCCA rigorous in its self-examination to make this school a place where students can find their voice, work in meaningful ensemble, and use those tools for the power of change.
There is more work to do. We cannot be satisfied with enough. Until every student has the same health, wealth, safety, and educational outcomes before, at, and after NOCCA; there is more work needed. We have and will continue to do that work through examination and changes in admissions, hiring practices, supports, curriculum, college affordability, standards, procurement, or any practices that we have the ability to impact.
We stand behind our alumni and those that are working outside of NOCCA to make real and lasting change. NOCCA must continue to be better if we are to help realize a more equitable today and tomorrow for all of our current students, and those we have not yet met.
In Service & Solidarity,
Kyle Wedberg
NOCCA President/CEO