“He who passively accepts evil is as much involved in it as he who helps to perpetuate it" – Martin Luther King Jr.”
My Dear Friends,
As the CEO of Davis Street, I have never forgotten where the root of this magical organization was established. Davis Street was born out of the First Christian Church (FCC) of San Leandro. So, at the very core of this organization, as it is at the core of the FCC, is the admonishment that we love one another. We love through the provision of health to those who are sick, through ensuring safe childcare for those parents who have to work, and by providing food to those who are hungry.
We love by seeking to understand the circumstances of anyone who walks through our front doors. What goes on in our community, what goes on in our state, what goes on in our nation is important to us because we know that the people who come to Davis Street for help are often here because of factors of which they have no control, but have impacted their lives.
As we have all watched in absolute horror the killing of Mr. George Floyd at the hands of the Minnesota police officer, we are sicken by the knowledge that we have been here many times before. My heart aches for America. What I know is that we all have a responsibility to ensure that hatred and discrimination are not tolerated. What is wrongly done to my brothers and sisters in this world is done to me.
Yes, we condemn the acts of vandalism that seeks to distract us from the peaceful protests that are happening all around us. As our nation struggles in this moment, we must continue to fight the good fight. A fight that moves us toward peace, kindness, understanding, health, and prosperity no matter our race, the country of our birth, the language we speak, or the amount of money in our pockets. We will fight this fight, we will continue to win this race against evil, and we will keep our faith in who we are as an organization that exists to support and care for each other.
I want all our supporters to stand with Davis Street as we continue to be a safe haven for our families, our patients, our children, our seniors and those who live with disabilities. I invite us to foster trust to help illuminate our path forward as we mandate that our city leaders and policy-makers build a more inclusive, fair and loving San Leandro.
From my heart to yours,
