First, to my Black friends and family, collaborators, community members, artists, activists, warriors…
I love you. I am with you. Your liberation is crucial – it is interconnected with my health and wellbeing, and that of our city.
We find ourselves at the intersection of COVID-19, and a rallying cry for justice for the racial terror lynchings of Black community members including Ahmaud Aubery, Breonna Taylor, George Floyd, Tony McDade, and Chef David McAtee. Our city is at a breaking point as we fight the racism and inequity that has plagued our nation for centuries.
To my White friends, family, and networks – I ask you to consider what it means to take action. We need to be strategic in support of Black leadership so that we are being additive in our efforts, recognizing that the role each of us will play may look different. I’ve seen many of you stepping up already, it makes a difference.
Some actions that either I have taken, or seen others take include:
- Coordinating with organizers and standing on the frontlines at a protest as a barrier between law enforcement and Black community members,
- Engaging policy makers at the local, state, and federal level so that we can create systemic, lasting change,
- Educating ourselves so we can translate information across our networks so that it reaches people and helps to evolve their understanding of what’s happening, with the goal of moving them toward action,
- Investing in Black businesses, artists, activities, leaders, politicians,
- Helping to bail people out of jail who may have been arrested while protesting,
- Providing childcare for people to engage in direct action if being there in person is not possible,
- Engaging our family and friends in difficult and uncomfortable conversations,
- Leveraging the resources we can access in partnership with Black communities,
- Recognizing that Black team members cannot shed what is happening at the door to go to "work as usual." Whether you are in the c-suite or a team leader, consider that the expectations around how/what will be accomplished need to evolve to support their mental/emotional/physical wellbeing,
In a time where polarization and cancel culture drive so much of how we engage, viral videos of murders and one-sided news reporting further divide us, especially online, we have to reconsider what it means to communicate. That is true for me, and for all of us.
Last year, our team at IDEAS xLab formed partnerships with the Frazier Museum, Roots 101 and others in Louisville to create the
(Un)Known Project
– a two-year initiative launching summer 2020 using art, creativity, public engagement, and experiences to support Louisville’s journey toward racial healing and reconciliation. We knew our city needed it. And now, it has never been more important - and we will have more updates to share in the coming weeks.
As one post shared by my friend Brianna Wright said, “My children and grandchildren will not be protesting for justice of Black lives.
This change is going to happen now.”
If you haven't found your role as a participant yet, I challenge you to step up and stay strong in support of our Black community members. I am here as a resource (who continues to learn and evolve each day), as are many across our community.
For justice and change,
Josh Miller
Co-Founder + CEO, IDEAS xLab
Photo: No Justice, No Peace. protest in Louisville, KY June 2020. Photo by Josh Miller
Message from the IDEAS xLab Board:
"We are committed to working together toward a more just, healthy, and hopeful society.
Our Board of Directors is proud of the work the IDEAS xLab team has imagined and co-created with communities that aren't being seen, that aren't being served, and that aren't receiving justice.
We are looking for your support now more than ever. Please reach out to let us know what skills, talents and interests you're willing to contribute to these efforts across our city and we will find a way to channel them in support of our community's health and wellbeing."
- Erik Eaker, IDEAS xLab Board Chair
