As an organization committed to anti-racism, we cannot stand by in silence as acts of violence, racism and hate continue to plague our country and our community. Just as we were compelled to condemn the killing of George Floyd, we are called to acknowledge several heinous acts that have happened since – the killing of Trayford Pellerin and shooting of Jacob Blake by law enforcement, along with the continued absence of charges in the killing of Breonna Taylor.

Adding to the trauma these events inflict on our Black community members, Kalamazoo recently witnessed a hate group – Proud Boys – spew offensive rhetoric and violence in our streets with little repercussion, even as counter protesters, a legal observer, and an MLive reporter from our own community were arrested.

We must UNITE our voices against racism in all its forms, demanding justice, accountability, and change. We must work together to dismantle the systems and barriers that brought us to this crisis. Join us and others taking action to prioritize anti-racism in our community.

For more information on our ongoing equity work, visit changethestory.org/leading-with-equity.