“Not everything that is faced can be changed, but nothing can be changed until it is faced.” ―James Baldwin
Yesterday was an emotional day for our country and people around the world, who were calling for justice for George Floyd after witnessing his murder last year. His death amplified a legacy of trauma endured by Black people, and the urgent need for elected officials, organizations, and community members to join together in the face of ongoing injustices. The conviction of former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin was a seminal moment in our nation’s history, and the signal of a change in our collective understanding of racial bias in our criminal justice system, and the need for accountability. While the verdict represents a first step forward, there is still much work to be done to transform the systems that perpetuate institutional racism.
As a nonprofit dedicated to awakening the best in the human spirit, we are called to expand education and awareness of white supremacy, and all systems that dehumanize Black and Brown lives. We cannot change history, but we can change the future. For our full humanity to be realized, we must be willing to face painful truths and use this moment to catalyze lasting change. We join with all who are working for racial healing, reconciliation, justice, and peace.
We extend our deepest condolences to George Floyd’s family, and to countless other families that have suffered profoundly from systemic racism.