Dear Canopy Friends,
 
The deaths of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Ahmaud Arbery, David McAtee, Manuel Ellis, and countless others are the continuation of a long and brutally unjust history of systemic anti-blackness, racism, and oppression. We all have a role to play in speaking up and rooting out systemic injustice.
 
Canopy stands in solidarity and support of the Black Lives Matter movement and the demand for justice, accountability, and systemic change. Canopy staff and board commit to being anti-racist, as individuals and in our collective work as an organization. Anti-racism involves taking stock of policies and systems that are racially biased, and actively working to replace them with systems that are just and equitable. It means working to eradicate racism wherever we find it—in our institutions, our communities, our workplaces, and within ourselves.
 
Canopy’s vision is a day when every resident of the Midpeninsula can step outside to move, play, and thrive under the shade of healthy trees. To deliver on the promise of access to nature for all means ensuring that Black, Indigenous, and all Persons of Color (BIPOC) can move freely and safely in every space, without fear of profiling, harassment, or violence.
 
To our BIPOC partners and community members we commit to:
 
  • Continue improving our policies and programs to ensure an inclusive, safe, and welcoming environment for our employees, volunteers, and everyone in the Canopy community.
  • Amplify the voices of Black community members
  • Increase BIPOC representation on our staff and board
  • Listen, learn, and educate ourselves on what it means to be true and effective allies
  • Work every day for equitable access to the outdoors and focus our efforts for climate and environmental justice on BIPOC communities, which are disproportionately impacted by the effects of climate change.
 
To our white partners and community members, we invite you to join us in listening, learning, and growing as allies.
 
Black Lives Matter.
 
In solidarity,
The Canopy Team
Resources to Support, Advocate, and Educate
“It’s up to all of us - Black, white, everyone - no matter how well-meaning we think we might be, to do the honest, uncomfortable work of rooting it out. It starts with self-examination and listening to those whose lives are different from our own. It ends with justice, compassion, and empathy that manifests in our lives and on our streets.”
- Michelle Obama

True allyship goes beyond words - it requires action. Anti-racism is not a trend, and real change requires daily action. Not everyone can be on the front lines, but there are many ways to be an ally in your community.
 
This list is by no means exhaustive. We encourage you to continue seeking out and sharing resources with others.
Art by @ yeshidesigns

Directories of Bay Area
Black-Owned Businesses
  • The Bay Area Organization of Black Owned Business provides a directory of local Black owned/lead business and nonprofits. Download the directory.
  • Local restaurant critic, Soleil Ho, has created a list of Black-owned restaurants across the Bay Area. View the list here.

Educational Materials & Media
Canopy's mission is to grow the urban forest in Midpeninsula communities for the benefit of all. Our vision is a day when every resident of the Midpeninsula can step outside to walk, play, and thrive under the shade of healthy trees.