What has already been a difficult time amidst a global pandemic, an uncertain economy, and a highly partisan political landscape has been made even more painful by the killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis. All of us at the
Virginia Center for Inclusive Communities
hope that you are finding support and comfort.
"...it is naïve — and frankly dangerous — to interpret recent experiences of African Americans in the United States as individual, isolated incidents. The beliefs that contributed to the killings of George Floyd in Minneapolis, Breonna Taylor in Louisville, Ky., and Ahmaud Arbery in Glynn County, Ga., are linked to the threats made by Amy Cooper toward Christian Cooper in New York City.
And these incidents are reinforced by structures that have led to disproportionately high infection and death rates among people of color due to COVID-19. They are supported by data showing that black-owned small businesses have had significantly more difficulty securing Paycheck Protection Program loans. They are amplified by vast differences in children’s access to food and technology that school districts across the country desperately are trying to alleviate in the midst of this pandemic..."
There are no simple answers to the complex challenges we currently face. But we at VCIC believe strongly that any effective and sustainable solutions must bring our society closer to inclusion and equity. Our team stands ready to serve as a facilitator, educator, and convener with partners across the Commonwealth, drawing upon the Virginia Center for Inclusive Communities' rich 85-year history.
Our next Building Inclusive Schools update will be sent in September. As you plan for the 2020-2021 school year, please
let us know
how VCIC can continue to support your community.
