Here’s what other prominent figures of color have to say:

Lydia Simmons, CEO of M.O.O and Motherocity, emphasizes Maternal Health and Postpartum Care, stressing the importance of ensuring that mothers receive comprehensive care before, during, and after childbirth. This is vital for the health of both mothers and their children and reflects a broader need for systemic changes in how we support families.

Aimee Allison, Founder and President of She the People, focuses on the intersection of abortion access and economic realities, emphasizing the importance of empowering women to make decisions about their families. This aligns with creating a supportive environment where children and families can prioritize a self-directed lifestyle and holistic development.

Khury Petersen-Smith, Michael Ratner Fellow at the Institute for Policy Studies, expresses concerns about the U.S. contributing to global instability and the importance of redirecting funds towards protecting people and our planet. This perspective aligns with the need for spending reforms that foster a better understanding of our global responsibility and interconnectedness.

Read more in Azadeh Shahshahani and Khury Petersen-Smith’s In These Times Article

With the U.S. House of Representatives passing a measure within the National Defense Authorization Act that would automatically enroll men aged 18–26 with the Selective Service System, concerns arise not only about war and tax dollars but also about our sons’ ability to choose their life paths in a time where trillions are spent on continued warfare. (Note enrollment has been a requirement with failure to do criminalizing those who refused before now.)

Carolyn A Butts, Publisher and Founder, emphasizes the economic pressures on American families, critiquing the allocation of funds to external conflicts while local needs such as housing and jobs remain unaddressed. Her focus on domestic resource distribution resonates with the unschooling philosophy, advocating for a system that supports the comprehensive development of tax paying families and communities at here in the US.

As we approach the upcoming elections, it is crucial for us as leaders and community influencers to advocate for policies that align with our values — those that nurture, protect, and empower us to educate our own children while respecting their individuality and potential. We must resist viewing our youth merely as future soldiers or reducing women to roles that do not recognize their full humanity. What legacy do we wish to leave for the next generation? Let us make informed choices that lead us toward a brighter, more self-directed future.

Our goal should be to create a society where our children have diverse opportunities for personal growth and fulfillment, not one where their futures are limited or predetermined. Let’s consider policies that invest in access to cultural resources, child development, and community resources that support families.

About the Author

Danii Oliver is the author of Unschool Discoveries & entrepreneur with a passion for exploring digital strategies and the intersections of technology and creativity. The founder of Island to Island Brewery & House of Juice Bar, Danii is now leading KIDO PubTech indie publishing house and Quantum Innovation Advisors, focusing on strategic leadership in a rapidly evolving digital landscape.

With a diverse background that spans software engineering, illustration, anthropology, and holistic living, Danii brings a unique perspective to each endeavor. Their work extends beyond the traditional, delving into the realms of innovative publishing, podcasting, and producing lifestyle tutorials, all while advocating for unschooling and learning through play.