Lincoln stands in solidarity with the Black community.

Uncategorized

Jun 4

Lincoln stands in solidarity with the Black community.

We are all experiencing deep outrage and sadness over the recent murders of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Ahmaud Arbery and so many other Black lives lost. As so many of you are acutely aware, racism has always existed and is deeply rooted in America. The horrific events of the past few weeks remind us that we have a long way to go to fight for justice.

At Lincoln, our staff also have heavy hearts right now and are grieving, many of whom carry both the daily impacts of systemic racism and inequity, and fear for the safety and well-being of family members. Our staff often have to compartmentalize their own pain as they work alongside youth and families -- already disproportionately impacted by the pandemic -- to begin healing from yet another layer of trauma resulting from these devastating events.

As a white person, I must reflect both on how I have benefitted from white supremacy and take action in dismantling it. As an organization, Lincoln is committed to lifting the voices of those who are marginalized, expanding who is at the table for decision making and creating the necessary space to unpack and unlearn the toxic messaging we have all received.

The time to have courageous conversations about the realities of systemic racism, white supremacy and inequities is past due. There is no more time to waste. It’s a time of action, a time to unite and a time to support each other. Lincoln stands with those suffering across the nation in this ongoing fight for justice.

I invite my white colleagues and friends in particular to take action by reflecting on your own biases -- avoiding the pull to lean on Black colleagues and friends to help you through it. Stand up in your own work places and in other social interactions when you see racism show up. This is a journey; slow down, avoid rushing to repair, explain or defend. I have included a few resources below and call on you to do one of them today. Then keep the list to inspire you in your continued work over time.

Lincoln has persevered for 137 years and continually works toward our mission of disrupting cycles of poverty and trauma, empowering families to build strong futures. The stark reality is we will never actualize that mission until Black lives matter.

In solidarity,

Allison

Act:

Sign a petition demanding justice for George Floyd: https://bit.ly/3eQpmvc
Mandate police force academies take “Racial Bias Tests” (IBTs): https://bit.ly/36YOWeN
Call on federal, state, and local authorities across the country to mandate the use of body cameras and hold police officers accountable: https://act.colorofchange.org/sign/bodycams/
Urge your state legislator to make mental health first aid training compulsory for police officers; find your rep on this list
Learn about the 8 Can't Wait Campaign - Contact your mayor or sheriff right now (details here) to adopt eight policies to decrease police violence
Explore additional resources and actions on this crowdsourced site