Pact’s Point of View: Black Lives Matter
George Floyd — June, 2020
On Tuesday, May 25 white supremacy and the systemic racism that is deeply embedded in American culture were in the forefront yet again when a Black man was murdered by the people who wear the facade of serving and protecting. A message was reinforced that Black people are disposable and protection is not for them. The message reinforced that there is no sanctuary for Black people: daughters, sons, mothers or fathers. This, in the middle of a global pandemic that is disproportionally affecting BIPOC (Black, Indigenous and People of Color). Just weeks after the murder of Breonna Taylor, Ahmaud Arbery and Steven Taylor, Black people watched another public lynching of a Black body.
For over 400 years Black people have fought for their liberation and the liberation of future generations, this fight is not new. For over 400 years Black people have demanded that the country that used their labor to build itself up also respects their humanity. For over 400 years those who benefited most from the oppression of Black people continue to do so.
We stand in service of the struggle for liberation of Black people.
We welcome your feedback on how we can ensure that this is an organization that provides respite when needed and action when required. We will continue to hold space for Black people and all people of color.
As an organization that employs many people of color, we are working on strategies for self and collective care, unpacking our own racial and class dynamics, and creating organizational systems that mimic what we hope for in the world.
To the constituencies that we so proudly serve, this will not be the last time you hear from us during this poignant moment. We are working diligently to identify ways to develop strategies, resources and opportunities to deepen our service to you.
To the Black people in our community: We are here today, tomorrow and in the future. Our entire staff stands in solidarity with you, your families and communities.
To allies, please be better and do better. This moment requires you to dig deeper to do the work of ending this system that is built on oppression.
We must remember always that none of us are free until Black people are free.
In solidarity,
The Pact Staff — Ben, Deanna, Katie, Malaika, Patrick, Raquel, Susan & Beth
