Dear AIA Michigan Members and Friends,
This spring has been like no other for many of us. Even with the uncertainty, risks and challenges that have accompanied a pandemic, we have been provided some opportunities for creating good. An opportunity for all of us, at some level, to directly care for one another, simply by staying home for a while. For many, it was not so simple as their work, which was deemed essential put them and their families at risk every day. For others, the financial strain has caused significant stress. It was and still is a unique time whereby being in this together we have likely saved many lives. We may have saved the life of someone we know and love.
Just as it looked like we may have turned a corner on the pandemic, the news reported that another black man, George Floyd, had been needlessly killed by police in Minneapolis. This story which has become so common, was repeated, with the recent killing of Ahmaud Arbery in Georgia was almost numbing to think about yet again. For many the excessive force and unjust killing has been the last straw and we may be at a tipping point for our country. The reaction has been swift and jarring. Monday night saw protests and rioting in over 140 American cities including my own city of Kalamazoo. Last night the national guard troops were positioned two blocks from our design offices, a result of the previous night’s protests which turned violent and destructive. The National Guards presence is a symbolic last straw of greater force in anticipation of continued civil unrest was chilling to see. Some, but certainly not all, of those protesting, have become disillusioned with our societies sense of justice, integrity, and fairness. Most are there peacefully protesting and do have faith they can create transformative lasting change.
This week’s events are distressing. Most cities will recover. Smaller cities may not be so resilient. As with the pandemic we have an opportunity to pull together. We as a profession have an opportunity to lead, but it will take significant work. We need to pursue change because much is at stake. The quality of our lives is at stake. As architects we can begin with our profession. AIA Michigan has followed AIA National’s commitment to actively promote diversity equity and inclusion. Earlier this year we made a first step by establishing the JEDI (Justice Equity Diversity Inclusion) committee. If you are looking for systemic change, you must get involve. But this is more than just a committee we hope to make. Our firms are living cultures of justice, equity, and diversity. We have important work to do. Your input is vital. Will you join us?
Norman L Hamann Jr, AIA, NOMA, LEED AP
2020 President AIA Michigan
