On September 29, 2020, Center for Community Resilience Director Dr. Wendy Ellis and Redstone Global Center Director Dr. Bill Dietz testified before the Minnesota House of Representatives Select Committee on Racial Justice. Drs. Dietz and Ellis were invited to present at the committee’s virtual hearing on Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) and Racism, a cornerstone of the work of GWU’s Center for Community Resilience. ACEs in the context of adverse community environments – known as the Pair of ACEs – continuously assault the developing minds of children and negatively impact health across the lifespan. These negative
impacts include higher risk for mental health problems, early initiation of drug and substance abuse, juvenile delinquency, risky sexual behavior and teen pregnancy. Dr. Ellis’ groundbreaking work on resilience and public health connects adverse childhood experiences to inequities in policy and systems. Many of these policies are driven by and reinforce institutional racism.
To watch the hearing, please visit: https://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/Committees/archives/91036.