Dear CUP Community,
As we continue to struggle in unity through COVID-19 and the disproportionate impact of this pandemic on communities of color, we are grief stricken by yet another example of senseless loss of Black life that “turned back the clock” to an untenable moment in our history. Despite the passage of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the ending of Jim Crow laws, recent events have shaken our understanding of the significant strides that we have made for social, economic and political progress.
How do we make sense of the range of emotions we are experiencing: sadness, helplessness, frustration, exhaustion, anger and fear? The tragic death of George Floyd epitomizes a reality for far too many and is the greatest challenge to our existence -- a denial of civil liberties that threatens our basic ability to breathe. Deep in our hearts, we know that this narrative does not define who we are or our value to humanity.
In these times, our response will define our generation. We must demonstrate resilience, tenacity and commitment to change.
Police brutality must end.
Systemic racism must end.
Institutionalized injustice must end.
CUP's dedication to its mission is now stronger than ever. Since our founding in 2007, we have worked to address racial and gender parity, and increase civic engagement and economic opportunity for professionals of color. For the foreseeable future, we will continue to provide resources to help us navigate the efforts to dismantle the systemic “-isms" and help heal our fractured society.
Please join us in this call to action:
VOTE and engage civically.
Participate in your local, state, and federal elections. We will need resources and leadership at all levels of government to create policies that serve every American.
Cultivate allies.
Engage in dialogue with friends and colleagues regarding your experience as a person of color -- both the positive and negative. Be unapologetic about your feelings and invite them to be uncomfortable with you. Empower them with information to share with their networks.
Protest injustice.
Participate in peaceful demonstrations, making sure to engage in proper social distancing to protect yourself and others.
We must not give up hope, because hope is our power. Together, we can and will make our country the best version of itself.
In peace, solidarity and in purpose.
Melissa Fenton
Executive Director
Johnita Walker Mizelle
Board Chair
Tarrus Richardson
Founder
