The cure for racism is ACTION.
Fresno EOC is a Community Action Agency (CAA) and was born from the Civil Rights Movement.
The Economic Opportunity Act (EOA) and the Civil Rights Act of 1964 were passed by Congress and CAAs were formed across the nation. The Economic Opportunity Act stated in part: “It is, therefore, the policy of the United States to eliminate the paradox of poverty in the midst of plenty in this nation by opening, to everyone, the opportunity for education and training, the opportunity to work, and the opportunity to live in decency and dignity.” The EOA included new education, employment and training, and work-experience programs and it empowered CAAs to seek changes in public policies that were discriminatory in their implementation.
Fresno EOC CEO Emilia Reyes says, “Racism is the catalyst for accelerated loss of life for people of color already struggling with physical, economic, and social disparities. We are calling for everyone to do more. It is not enough to provide sideline support for non-racist causes. We must engage in constructive and consistent anti-racist action to the cancer seeking to separate us, weaken us, and threaten our well-being. We cannot stay silent.”
Reyes continues, “The words of the Community Action Promise articulate who we are and what we believe: ‘Community Action changes people’s lives, embodies the spirit of hope, improves communities and makes America a better place to live. We care about the entire community and we are dedicated to helping people help themselves and each other.'”
Our nation’s 1,000+ local Community Action Agencies provide life-changing services to individuals and families in 99% of America’s counties. Learn more about the history of Community Action.