Across our nation, calls demanding racial justice reform have only heightened following the wrongful death of George Floyd in Minneapolis. At United Way, our credo has always been to fight for the health, education, and financial stability of every person in our community. We recognize the disparities that arise from systemic racism and the injustices long experienced by the Black community, and we stand alongside them in solidarity, seeking reform.
Brian Gallagher, President and CEO at United Way Worldwide, recently said, “While more and more people are aware of the injustice that remains in our society, too many of us are not taking active steps to change racist and discriminatory attitudes and practices. The scales of justice are tilted, and reform begins with removing the prejudices that many of us possess.”
But how do we each begin removing those prejudices? With listening, learning, and pursuing conversations. I asked a friend yesterday to share with me what it is like to be Black and to live in our community. As she shared, tears came to my eyes. She shared, I listened. I shared, she listened. She said, “It’s getting better.” Thanks to her honesty and openness, she helped me to see the world I live in a little differently today.
I am hopeful our listening and conversations will drive us to actions. Let’s move forward from this current moment in our history truly seeking racial reconciliation, listening to the Black voices and stories of our community members, and most of all, standing United together. As Martin Luther King, Jr. said, “Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.”
United We're Strong,
Danelle Glasscock
Executive Director
