We are proud to share that Emancipate NC Organizer Toia Potts was recently a featured speaker in The Manifesto of Child Welfare in the 21st Century webinar, hosted by Narrowing the Front Door. This timely and powerful conversation examined how government policies, institutional practices, and societal narratives have shaped the child welfare system—particularly its impact on Black families.
Titled “A Government Declaration of Intentions, Motives, and Views About Black Families,” the webinar centered the voices of people with lived experience alongside organizers and policy experts working to build a system of care that truly supports families’ well-being. Panelists explored how race, power, and dominant narratives influence decisions about who is considered a “fit” family, while offering a bold vision for reimagining child welfare through dignity, equity, and community-based support.
During the discussion, Toia emphasized the urgent need to move away from surveillance and punishment and toward meaningful investment in families, prevention, and healing-centered approaches. Her remarks highlighted the importance of elevating impacted voices, cultivating community care hubs, and rebuilding a “village model” of support that protects children while preserving families.
We are grateful to Narrowing the Front Door and JMAC for Families for hosting this important dialogue and creating space for transformative conversation. Toia’s participation reflects Emancipate NC’s continued commitment to advancing justice-centered approaches to child welfare and amplifying the voices of those most directly impacted by these systems.