As we witness the dismantling of racist symbols occurring throughout our country and celebrate the recent Supreme Court decisions protecting LGBTQ individuals from workplace discrimination and blocking the termination of DACA, we cannot forget the racial and societal injustice that continues to impact the lives of so many members of our country.

We cannot forget the rise in hate groups.  We cannot forget the attacks on Asians in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.  We cannot forget the murders at Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church in Charleston, the Sikh temple in Oak Creek, or the Tree of Life Congregation in Pittsburgh.  We cannot forget the murders at Pulse nightclub in Orlando.  We cannot forget the murders of George Floyd, Ahmaud Arbery, Breonna Taylor, and so many others.  We must not forget.

Instead, these events must inform our actions going forward.  It is now more than ever that conversations around race, racial identity, anti-racist structures, equity, inclusion, and social justice need to occur.  It is now more than ever that dedicated and sincere work towards justice and equal opportunities for all must be had and hatred and racism must be rejected. 

We stand against bigotry, racism, and xenophobia.  We will work together to inform ourselves and learn.  We will listen to the voices in our community.  We will get comfortable being uncomfortable.  And we will continue our work to effectuate real and lasting change.

“As long as poverty, injustice, and gross inequality persist in our world, none of us can truly rest.”  Nelson Mandela