Sonja Cherry-Paul, Tricia Ebarvia, Clare Landrigan, Anna Osborn, Kim Parker, and Tiana Silvas are organizing this fundraiser on behalf of Aeriale Johnson.

Aeriale Johnson is an abolitionist educator who has been influencing the lives of children, families, and teachers for more than 20 years. Our friend, family, and squad member, Aeriale, was diagnosed with colon cancer and is about to undergo surgery. While she is being lifted up by her faith and her ancestors who survived colon cancer, we want to ensure she is also being lifted up by all of us who are inspired every day by her brilliance, activism, and love of children.

Aeriale will need at least six to eight weeks of post-op care which will prevent her from working. This year, prior to her diagnosis, Aeriale chose to promote a more equitable world by opening her own staff development business. Self-employment means that the inability to work results in the inability to earn income. Worrying about the high cost of living, the high medical insurance costs, and the burden of not being able to work hinders the recovery process.

Raising money to cover costs for the next several months will lift this burden from Aeriale so she can focus on doing the most critical work --healing. Then soon, she’ll feel strong enough to return to doing what she loves most when schools are back in session after the summer: supporting children, families, and educators.

Please consider donating to this fund.