Dear LL+L TV Friends and Supporters,
On behalf of Look, Listen + Learn TV (LL+L TV), we are writing to you with immense gratitude and an important organizational update.
We recognize that nonprofit organizations have a natural life cycle. Over the past year, despite our best efforts, we have faced increasing funding challenges that many other nonprofits across the country are also experiencing. We have no shortage of vision, passion, and commitment to advance joy, racial equity, and brilliant young minds through our programming. Our difficulties are a symptom of a broader systemic issue facing numerous public media programs like ours. After careful reflection and thought, in step with our founder Val Thomas-Matson, the Board of Directors has determined the best course of action would be to sunset LL+L TV by the end of the calendar year.
This decision was not made lightly.
LL+L TV was born from the vision and passion of our founder, Val Thomas-Matson, who began this work even before our official incorporation in 2021. Our mission has always been clear: to advance learning for children of color through educational programming rooted in research and best practices, fostering school readiness and lifelong success. Over six remarkable years, we have completed five seasons of programming, each filmed with heart and radical joy, and touched the lives of countless children and families. We cannot thank Val enough for her vision, creativity, stellar production, and accomplishments.
Our impact has extended far beyond the screen. We have built bridges with neighbors, partnered with fellow nonprofits across Washington State dedicated to serving children, and created spaces where families of color can authentically be and see themselves. Together, we have sparked imaginations, nurtured dreams, and strengthened our communities. LL+L TV became an award-winning television series, and an essential part of our communities as the only BIPOC-led and -focused children’s show in the Pacific Northwest.
Each LL+L TV episode captured smiles, culture, and healthy learning and are invaluable moments to be protected and broadcast as widely as possible. It is our hope that LL+L TV will live on and continue to be accessible for young learners, as these episodes foster early learning and carry important lessons that should continue to be shared. Our next, and final, update will include more information regarding our dissolution plan to distribute assets to another local nonprofit media organization and how you can continue to access our program library.
Though his tenure was short, we appreciate our Executive Director, Rick Fernandes, for sharing our deep passion for children's media, for his leadership, and for walking us through our final chapter with exceptional wisdom and grace.
While we sunset our stewardship of LL+L TV, the legacy and program will live on through each of us and what we learned together. Whether you have been a donor, on-air talent, or fan of the show, we could not have made it this far without your support– and for that, we thank you. We are profoundly grateful for your support, partnership, and belief in our program over these years. Thank you for being part of this incredible journey and family, and for helping us propel LL+L TV beyond our wildest imagination.
Sincerely,
Gene Yoon, Kiotta Reynolds, Kevin Carroll, Cynthia Chavez, Mercedes Luna
Nolan Phelps, Sarah Walczyk, Ann Rogers-Williams, Brenda Fincher, Brett Sims, Mandy Sun
Look, Listen + Learn TV Board of Directors
PS. While we are no longer producing episodes, we are leaving our donation portal open on the website for anyone interested in contributing to expenses related with this sunsetting process. If you have already donated in 2025, please keep an eye out for additional communications regarding the cancellation of recurring donations and your upcoming tax letters.