Rising to meet the challenges ahead

January 2021

After an incredibly difficult 2020, so many of us were encouraged by the promise of the new year. But just days after the ball dropped in an empty Times Square, we were confronted with an insurrection at the Capitol that exposed deep roots of white supremacy. This was not only a threat to our democracy. The images and messages from that day painfully revealed, again, how much hard work is to be done. Last June, we were inspired watching 7-year-old Wynta-Amor Rogers march, chanting “no justice, no peace!” She remains our inspiration during a week that includes Martin Luther King Jr.’s birthday and the inauguration of Joseph R. Biden Jr. and Kamala Harris, amidst threats of more violence. This week, and further into the year, the Hatcher team comes together in solidarity. We’re fortunate to have each other and recommit to the anti-racism work ahead, for Wynta-Amor and each other.

We also feel very fortunate to work daily to build healthier and more just communities. This month, we proudly showcase some of our exceptional state-level work. Here in Maryland, Hatcher has been working with a coalition of tobacco control advocates, led by the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids, to protect our children from powerful addictions and ultimately ban flavored tobacco. In the commonwealth of Massachusetts, Hatcher was proud to support the launch of a statewide, collaborative effort by the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education and the Boston-based Rennie Center, to promote evidence-based reading instruction and equip our educators with resources to help all children grow into strong readers and writers. Finally, we are thrilled to share that our work last year was recognized with 44 awards for excellence in communications, design, marketing, web, and video.

Here’s to a year of possibilities – may we rise to meet the challenges ahead.