We urge you to take a moment to read Annapolis Music Therapy’s AntiRacism Commitment, which was developed collectively by the members of our team.In the wake of the murders of George Floyd and Breonna Taylor, Annapolis Music Therapy Services affirms that our Black clients’, Black therapists’, and Black community members’ lives matter. Their trauma matters. These murders are the result of systematic violence by police perpetuated by a culture of racism and white supremacy prevalent in the United States.
While we strive to create inclusive therapy spaces, we as therapists are not separate and immune to the systems that have historically subjugated Black bodies, especially disabled Black bodies. Our team is now made up of Black, brown, disabled, LGBTQ+, and white therapists and students, which are identities that both intersect and differ from those of our clients. We know that we are limited by our perspective, but commit to listening to the voices of folx whose perspectives, identities, and lived experiences diverge from ours.
AMT acknowledges the history of generational racial wealth disparities stemming from slavery and colonialism that is preserved by racist hiring practices and lack of social supports. We will begin combatting this through the restructuring of our existing programs, which currently cater to affluent families with daytime flexibility and funds to support their engagement in therapeutic and leisure activities.
AMT will be taking clear action steps in response, which will immediately include, but are not limited to:
1. Providing our employees and students with access and exposure to educational resources in order to foster a lifelong commitment to antiracist learning and the dismantling of racist power structures
2. Exploring a sliding pay scale or flexible payment schedule for our programs, music therapy sessions, and music lessons
3. Expanding free programming to include events offered in the evening and weekend hours
4. Featuring the work of Black therapists, musicians, and authors on our website, social media pages, and in therapeutic spaces