There is no shortage of emotions over the last couple of weeks as we all try to comprehend the tragic death of George Floyd – a stark reminder of how our country’s history of racial bigotry and violence perpetuates unlawful killings, injustice and racism. Unsurprisingly, our community’s outrage and reaction to this tragedy is also gravely familiar. Despite six decades of modern era civil rights and the cessation of legal segregation, our nation is still segregated and conditions of racial inequality have steadily worsened. The senseless murder of George Floyd by uniformed police officers sworn to ensure safety is one among innumerable facts that betray the moral failure at the core of established institutions at every level of American society. In the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic that disproportionately takes the lives of Black, Indigenous, and LatinX people, the Booker T. Washington Center stands in solidarity with the unparalleled mobilization and civic protests that have allowed so many to voice their concerns and disapproval on the streets of our nation’s cities. We stand in memory of Ahmaud Arbery, Breonna Taylor, Freddie Gray, Sandra Bland, Michael Brown, Eric Garner, Tamir Rice, Oscar Grant and countless others who have lost their lives to the evils of prejudice, bigotry and hatred. We stand in solidarity for equity and justice … until the philosophy that separates us, divides us, and fails to recognize the moral and social equality of all citizens, is vanquished from our society. Although the road ahead is filled with struggle, resistance, and the hard work of dismantling institutional racism, we stand hopeful and encourage you all to fill yourselves with hope.

The best way to not feel hopeless is to get up and do something. Don’t wait for good things to happen to you. If you go out and make some good things happen, you will fill the world with hope, you will fill yourself with hope.  – President Barack Obama